EssentialsMAG June 2024 - North Wrexham/Cheshire Magazine

Welcome to our June issue!

Welcome to the latest edition of EssentialsMAG!

As we enter June, our region comes alive with so many exciting fêtes, carnivals, and events that promise to bring us together and celebrate the spirit of community. Each month we publish a wide selection of events - see ‘our Date’s for Your Diary’ pages - but did you know, we have an extensive array of local events on our website too? www.essentialsmag.co.uk/whats-on. So, grab your calendars, and start planning, because you won't want to miss out on any of the action!

June also brings us the longest day of the year on the 21st , when sunlight bathes us (hopefully!) for an extended period. Known as the Summer Solstice, this celestial phenomenon occurs when the North Pole is tilted closest to the Sun in Earth's orbit, resulting in the longest daylight hours of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Personally, this date feels like it's creeping up too fast, especially this year, as summer seems to be taking its time to arrive!

Whatever your plans may be this June, here's to a fantastic month ahead! All the best,

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

Cover Image: Watercolor of wildflowers

July copy deadlines: Editorial - 10th June

Advertising - 12th June

EssentialsMAGYour go-to magazine for Wrexham and the bordering Cheshire villages

We’ve got the local area covered!

Hand-delivered to 6,400 homes in these villages: 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.

Follow us today and stay updated locally

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 2024. @EssentialsMagWrexham @EssentialsMAG1

Local News

A Conversation on Disability Perceptions

Samantha Maxwell's new book, "Disabling Ableism," is getting a lot of attention. It's all about making sure people who have disabilities are treated the same as everyone else. Samantha knows a lot about this because she's been working on disability rights for a long time. Born and bred in Wrexham, Samantha speaks about her own personal experience of living with mild Cerebral Palsy and the discrimination she has faced from people in society because of her disability.

Samantha told us, “With "Disabling Ableism," my aim was to bring the topic of disability into public discussion and hear people's honest opinions firsthand. The outcome was quite intriguing. I wanted to do this to highlight the gap between how disability is often portrayed in fiction versus the reality. My hope is that by raising awareness and fostering dialogue, we can shift people's perceptions of disability in a positive direction.”

Disabling Ableism by Samantha Maxwell is available to buy on Amazon.

Rev Your Engines: Farndon Soapbox Derby

Get ready to mark your calendars because the highly anticipated Farndon Soapbox Derby is back! On Sunday 15th September, the charming village of Farndon will once again host its thrilling Soapbox Derby, promising a day packed with adrenaline, excitement, community spirit and crazy soapbox racing enthusiasts!

Teams will gather to put their engineering skills to the test, in handbuilt, gravity-powered soapbox cars that will race down Farndon High Street in a bid for glory. But the Farndon Soapbox Derby is about more than just racing - it's a celebration of community spirit. As teams compete for the coveted title of Soapbox Derby Champion, they'll also be raising funds and awareness for local charities and community initiatives, making a positive impact that extends far beyond the race track.

So, mark your calendars, rally your friends and family, and get ready to join in the fun at the Farndon Soapbox Derby on: Sunday 15th September 2024. For details or to get involved, visit: www.farndonsoapboxderby.co.uk

King Charles Banknotes

Banknotes carrying a portrait of King Charles III will be issued for the first time on 5th June 2024. The portrait of the King will appear on existing designs of all four banknotes (£5, £10, £20 and £50), with no other changes to the existing designs. Polymer banknotes that feature the portrait of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will remain legal tender and will co-circulate alongside King Charles III notes.

Members of the public will be able to exchange a limited value of current or old series notes for new King Charles III notes, through the Bank of England, for a short time from the 5th June 2024 issuance date. Further details will be available closer to the time.

20mph Zones in Wrexham

In a bid to enhance road safety and promote healthier communities, Wales introduced 20mph speed restrictions on select roads back in September of last year. The initiative, which has proved to be somewhat divisive, aimed to curtail collisions and severe injuries, encouraging people to walk and cycle, and bolster overall well-being.

Now, the Welsh Government has revealed plans for a comprehensive review of its 20mph policy. Scheduled between April and July of this year, this undertaking seeks public input on the existing restrictions and potential adjustments.

Wrexham Council said: “We are not expecting wholesale changes to the current speed restrictions. Any future amendments will be of a target nature. Any changes that we propose are unlikely to come into force immediately. This is because we will need to follow statutory traffic orders and procedures. These changes can take from six months plus. There will also be a need to put in place tests against the guidance to ensure appropriateness of any changes. As an authority, we will be relying on a dedicated funding stream to action any future changes.”

Wrexham Council are inviting residents to contact them via a dedicated email address 20mphConsultation@wrexham.gov.uk . Here you may put your case as to why you think a particular road is not suited to the 20mph restriction. Please note, this must be a reasoned application as general demands are unlikely to qualify against the guidance tests.

Get Your Walking Boots on!

By WALKABOUT WREXHAM

Step into North East Wales' history and natural splendour as you join us for the annual Wrexham Walking Festival.

Spanning nine days at the beginning of June, we invite you to embark on a journey of discovery with 23 carefully planned walks, each offering a unique perspective on the beautiful landscapes and cultural heritage of our region.

Something for everyone

The walks promise a diverse range of experiences tailored to suit every preference and ability, from tranquil evening strolls through the streets of Wrexham, to invigorating all-day hikes across the rugged terrain of the Dee Valley.

There's something for everyone - whether you're a seasoned trekker or a family seeking a leisurely outing in nature.

Led by knowledgeable volunteers, our comprehensive selection of walks caters for all schedules, with morning, afternoon, evening, and all-day options available to accommodate your busy lifestyle. Try the art of Nordic Walking, explore hidden gems off the beaten path, or challenge yourself with a rigorous 14-mile expedition over the rolling hillsides of the Dee Valley's southern slopes—the choice is yours.

Free of charge

Best of all, the Wrexham Walking Festival is entirely free of charge, with no advance booking required. Simply lace up your hiking boots, and come along!

Saturday 1st June - Sunday 9th June

All the walks will be led by trained volunteer walk leaders. Walkers will need to wear suitable boots and clothing and should bring food and drinks for the longer walks. As many of the routes will cross fields containing grazing livestock, dogs are not permitted on the walks.

For updates, latest information and more details of start locations, please visit: www.walksinwrexham.com

You can also pick up a programme at Wrexham Tourist Information Centre

Walkabout Wrexham also run free weekly and monthly walks throughout the year and everyone is welcome to join. Full information is on the website.

Wrexham Walking Festival 2024

Anxiety and Flower Remedies

By MELANIE BURGESS

Anxiety and stress levels seem to be at an all-time high with lots of people struggling with worries and the challenges that life anxieties can bring.

Anxiety affects most people at some point in their lives. For some, their anxiety is fairly low level and manageable, but there are many for whom the associated emotions and worries of their anxiety have a debilitating effect on their day-to-day life.

Anxiety affects each of us differently. You may feel constantly on edge, panicky, irritable, withdrawn, have difficulty concentrating, feel a sense of dread or have low self-esteem. Or perhaps you feel sick, have heart palpitations, tiredness, difficulty sleeping, trembling, or dizziness. Whatever your symptoms, or the severity of your anxiety, this is where Bach flower remedies can help.

The remedies, taken as drops in your mouth or in a drink, are a gentle and natural way to manage stress and anxiety, and help to support your emotional well-being.

Which remedies can help?

Depending on the cause of your anxiety, here are some of the remedies that could help:

• Rescue Remedy – a combination of five flowers and my ‘go to’ remedy for traumatic or stressful situations where you feel out of control of your emotions.

• Aspen – you feel anxious but don’t know the reason, you have vague unknown fears.

• Mimulus – for known fears, you know what you are worrying about, such as fear of the dark, losing your job, going to the doctor.

• White Chestnut – you have a whirring merry-go-round of thoughts that just won’t stop.

• Pine – you worry that you aren’t good enough or feel guilty that you have done something wrong.

• Red Chestnut – for worrying about your loved ones.

• Agrimony – for those who hide their worries behind a cheerful smile.

There are also many more remedies to choose from to help any emotional difficulties that you are struggling with.

Bach flower remedies can help to reduce your anxiety and turn negative emotions into a positive to help you to cope with whatever life throws at you. For more information visit: www.pureflowerremedies.com

By Melanie Burgess at Pure Flower Remedies

Tel: 07970 758811 E: contact@pureflowerremedies.com www.pureflowerremedies.com

Developing Healthy Habits

By PHIL CABRAL from Natural Balance

Here at Natural Balance Physiotherapy & Sports Injury, our aim is to reduce your pain, optimise your health and increase your fitness so that you can live a healthy, active and full life. Developing healthy habits and eliminating unhealthy ones is part of that process.

Developing a healthy habit such as walking

The Daily Mile, which children are encouraged to do every day in many schools, may be one initiative that we could extend to adults in workplaces. The benefits are well established. A lunchtime Daily Mile could have many significant health benefits and may help improve workplace relationships and productivity.

Reducing the unhealthy habits is often the challenge. The most common unhealthy habit is smoking. The fundamental question is, are you ready to change?

If you are, then The Stage of Change model aims to help people change their lives based on their stage of awareness and readiness to change.

The key is to figure out where you are currently:

1. Precontemplation – the lack of realisation that there is a problem or unhealthy habit that needs to change

2. Contemplation – the awareness that there is a problem, but you are not ready to make the change, either through lack of confidence or the lack of willingness to try

3. Preparation – getting ready to make that change

4. Action – making the change

5. Maintenance – maintaining the new, healthier habit.

Once you know where you are, then the next challenge is to figure out what to do. Advice and information is available online but it can often be difficult to work out where to start and what to do. Guiding people through this process; nurturing them through each stage; tracking progress and providing support through the ups and downs to help find ways forward, is what we do.

Fostering healthy habits takes time and perseverance but will ultimately improve your overall health, wellbeing and quality of life so you can live it fully. If you want to take the first step to eliminating unhealthy habits and developing healthy ones, please get in touch.

by Phil Cabral at Natural Balance Physiotherapy & Sports Injury

Tel: 01244 639898

E: lorna@natbalance.co.uk

www.natbalance.co.uk

Facebook: @philthephysio

Dates for your Diary

EVERY THURSDAY

Gresford Ladies Rounders

All Saints' Gresford School, Gresford, Wrexham LL12 8RW

New ladies rounders team starting - all adults of all ages and abilities welcome. Have some fun and make new friends!

6pm - 7pm

Tel: 07889 297960 (Vicky)

EVERY THURSDAY

Walking Netball

Rhosnesni High School, Rhosnesni Lane, Wrexham LL13 9ET

Walking Netball is netball at a walking pace. The game has been designed so that anyone can play regardless of age or fitness. New members always welcome!

6pm - 7pm

£5.00

Tel: 07957 719997 (Sheila)

SAT 1 JUNE

Chirk Carnival Station Road, Chirk, Wrexham LL14 5BQ

Chirk Carnival 2024 is taking over the town centre! Artisan market, fairground, street food, live entertainment, bar. A fun day out for all the family!

10am - 7pm

£3.50 adult/£2.50 children

£10 family (2 adults+2 kids)

SAT 1 JUNE

Bangor-On-Dee

Community Choir Coffee Morning

Bangor-on-Dee Village Institute, Bangor-onDee, Wrexham LL13 0JE

Come and meet friends and chat over a drink. There will be a raffle, cake stall, and the choir will sing a few of their latest songs.

10:30am - 12pm

£2.00 (incl. drink and cake)

Tel: 01978 780558 (Denise)

WED 5 & 19 JUNE

Oddfellows friendship group ‘Coffee and Chat’ The Lemon Tree, 29 Rhosddu Road, Wrexham LL11 2LP

Oddfellows is a friendship group - come along for a ‘Coffee and Chat’ to meet likeminded local people.

10:30am - 12pm

£ (as per restaurant menu)

Tel: 01244 675757 (Caroline)

THUR 6 JUNE

D-Day Parade

Wrexham City Centre

A parade to commemorate the 80-year anniversary of the D-Day landings. The parade will leave St Giles Church at 1:15pm and march to the Normandy Veterans Memorial.

1:15pm - 3pm

FRI 7 JUNE

Tour of Britain Women

Wrexham City Centre

The second stage of the Tour of Britain Women will start and finish on Chester Street, Wrexham. Come along to cheer them on. Peloton depart 11:15am, and return approx. 3pm https://bit.ly/3UXUQXZ

TUE 11 JUNE

Holt/Marchwiel WI

Kenyon Hall, Castle Street, Holt, Wrexham LL13 9YL

An Inspirational talk by Mark Williams. Mark is a Paralympic swimmer and now successfully runs a company called Limbart. This is an open meeting, so all welcome!

7:30pm

£10.00 (strawberry supper) Tel: 01829 271480 (Ann)

THUR 13 JUNE

Gardening Morning

Gresford Trust, off High Street, Gresford, Wrexham LL12 8PS

Volunteers are wanted to come along to help tidy up the Gresford Trust’s Coronation Garden. Please bring your own gloves and gardening tools if possible. Refreshments provided! 10am - 12pm

For a comprehensive list of local events, scan the QR code:

TUE 18 JUNE

Holt Flower Club

Wrexham Golf Club, Holt Road, Holt, Wrexham LL13 9SB

Demonstrator Becca Morris, with her theme “Around the World” Visitors welcome.

7:30pm

£7.00 (visitors)

Tel: 07857 896496 (Christine)

TUE 18 JUNE

Coffee Morning

The Golden Lion, Rossett LL12 0HN

Welcoming coffee morning to raise funds for Christ Church Rossett. 10am - 12pm

£5.00 (incl. drink and cake)

TUE 18 JUNE

The Friends of Wrexham Museum Talk

Wrexham Memorial Hall, Wrexham LL12 7AG

Speaker Rob Jarvis’ talk on “The Story of Brymbo Steelworks”. All welcome. 7pm

£3.00 (visitors) asandra66@hotmail.co.uk

18 - 21 JUNE

Gresford Festival of Craft

All Saints Church, Gresford LL12 8RG

Exhibition and sale of craft, fabric, plants and tombola.

10:30am - 5pm (Thurs 7pm)

£4.00

Tel:01978 750250

WED 19 JUNE

Pulford & Poulton Local History Group

Pulford Village Hall, off Burganey Court CH4 9ES

A talk by Graham Edwards: "Richard Jones Berwyn and his Welsh Settlement in Patagonia."

7:30pm

£3.00 members/£5.00 non pplhg.org.uk

FRI 21 JUNE

Summer Social

The Golden Lion, Rossett LL12 0HN

Hwb yr Orsedd presents"Summer Social", includes a hot supper, live music, and a £10 donation to the Hwb. Tickets from Golden Lion. 7pm

£20.00pp

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

SAT 22 JUNE

Aldford Village Fête

Aldford village

Dog show, live music, games, craft stalls, food, classic cars and motorbikes. 1pm - 4pm Free

SAT 29 JUNE

Overton Village Fête

Overton village

Street market, followed by a community picnic, dog show and games. 10am (street market) 3pm (picnic)

Tel: 07960 538089

SAT 29 JUNE

Open Day & Craft Fair

Rossett Village Hall, Station Road, Rossett, LL12 0HE

Craft stalls, dancing displays, Rossett Choir, games and refreshments. 1pm - 4pm Free Tel: 01244 571089

SAT 29 JUNE

Vinyl Record & CD Fair

The Bridge End Inn, Ruabon LL14 6DA

Join fellow enthusiastsa treasure trove of album classics and hidden gems. 1pm 07527 599971 (Mike Scott)

60 Years of Tailor-Made Travel

By ANN ANGLESEA from Delmar World

When, in 1964, Ces and Betty Davies, my parents, opened a small travel agency in a room above Gresford’s newsagents, a return trip to London was considered adventurous. British Rail and National Coach tickets were their main line of business - all hand-written, of course!

By the 1970s, people were starting to venture further afield, and having moved into rather more spacious modern offices with a growing team, Delmar developed its Mini-Cruise programme: these were fully escorted breaks to Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands by coach and ferry. These affordable trips marked the start of their overseas travels for many.

Package holidays to Europe, primarily Spain, Greece and Italy followed, allowing clients to further expand their holiday horizons.

In 1979, Freddie Laker started his Skytrain service to Miami, opening Florida as a family holiday destination. Throughout the 80s and 90s, we escorted groups to Orlando and Disney World. But as the demand for USA holidays increased, we opened a dedicated offshoot called the USA TRAVEL CENTRE. This specialises in tailormade, self-drive itineraries. Howard Davies, my brother, is known as one of the UK’s leading USA Specialists. His expertise and knowledge of the States is invaluable

in creating amazing holiday experiences for our clients.

Then, in 2001, the world was shaken to its core by 9/11. Travel to the USA stopped and, for a while, people were reluctant to travel anywhere. That was when we decided to train our team to be true travel experts in worldwide destinations. Within a couple of years, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the Far East were becoming popular and, very soon, South Africa, South America, India and other exotic locations were added to the list of desirable holiday destinations.

Over the last few years, cruising has become extremely popular. But deciding which ship, suite and itinerary to choose is crucial. So, a few years ago, we launched PERFECT CRUISES. Today, our team of cruise specialists take great care in ensuring that their recommendations will meet - and even exceed - each client’s expectations.

So, we have gone from selling London return coach and rail tickets to advising clients on destinations as diverse as African safaris and round-the-world luxury cruises.

I wonder where our clients will be holidaying 60 years from now!

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

Wrexham Tourism News

By JOE BICKERTON, Tourism Manager, Wrexham County Borough Council

As we move into June, the 2024 visitor season is well underway (in fact, I don’t think a ‘season’ exists in Wrexham at the moment with a year round popularity!).

We’re focussing now on ensuring that our tourism operators get all the support they need over this busy period and have just re-launched the membership window for our This Is Wrexham Tourism Partnership. This is open to all businesses who are primarily hospitality based with various tiers available.

For details visit: www.thisiswrexham.co.uk/membership

As part of our commitment to sustainable travel, we’ve also been working closely with Transport for Wales (TfW), Cheshire & Shropshire, to promote more leisure use of the railway. We have new maps and promotional campaigns ongoing, including a two-day stand at Birmingham New Street this month.

To get some journey inspiration, visit; https://3countiesconnected.org.uk

This summer, we also welcome the start of two new walking tours in the City Centre. Firstly, ‘A Taste Of Wrexham’ starts in July, with a tour of several local hospitality businesses, where you’ll be given an exclusive bespoke tasting experience at each, along with stopping for some

local sightseeing at places like St Giles Parish Church and our murals.

Launching in June, we have a new City Centre Ghost Walk - where our experienced guide will show you around town’s most haunted hotspots (with some frightening encounters on route!). It’s really great to see new entrepreneurship benefitting the tourism sector!

Visit:

www.walkingfoodtoursuk.co.uk/ a-taste-of-wrexham

www.northwalesghosttours.co.uk/

Finally, I must highlight two tourism operators that we send our best wishes to. Firstly, it’s great to see the Croeshowell in Llay back open under the stewardship of the Fat Boar company and Wrexham AFC’s Jordan Davies - with their new refurbishment and outdoor seating areait should be popular this summer! In addition, you may have read that a local favourite - The Hand at Lllanarmon in the Ceiriog Valley is up for sale. But, longstanding owners Jonathan and Jackie Greatorex are still as passionate as ever about our local tourism scene and are expecting a busy summer at the hotel/ restaurant. If you’ve not visited before, head Chef, Grant Mulholland’s, award winning menu is a must - in fact, the Daily Telegraph named it as ‘One Of The Thirty Most Cosy Pubs In Britain’ recently.

By Joe Bickerton, Tourism Manager at Wrexham County Borough Council

T. 01978

292015

www.thisiswrexham.co.uk

Rossett Church Latest News

By SIAN HATTON-JONES

Worship at Christ Church Rossett

Our weekly services are Holy Eucharist/ Holy Communion, at 9:15am on Sunday morning, which is the main service of the week; and also at 10am on Wednesday.

‘Eucharist’ means ‘thanksgiving’ and is the central act of worship in the Christian Church. At their last supper together, Jesus broke bread with his friends and told them to do the same to remember him, so this is what we do. All baptised Christians who regularly receive Communion in their own church, or who wish to, are welcome to receive here at Rossett. You can also receive in your pew or have a blessing from the priest.

We regularly have refreshments after the Sunday service, either in church or in the church room, time together making new friends and catching up each other’s news.

The Wednesday service is a beautiful service and is a very good way to get into the worship if it is new to you, you are returning to church, or you prefer stillness.

A ‘Welcome Eucharist’ is held on the last Tuesday of the month at 11am. This is a service for all, but specifically aimed at those who find mobility a challenge.

It is held in the church room, and followed by refreshments which are shared together. When you arrive for a service you will receive everything you need. Worship consists of hymns, prayers, Bible readings

and special prayers that we join in together set around the Holy Eucharist. Sunday start time is quite early so the church warden (Siân) sits at the back by the door to welcome anyone arriving after the start time to making sure they have what they need and can find a place.

All are welcome at every service, God has put the liveliness into children especially, so please don’t feel that has to be suppressed in His house! There is a children’s corner with tables, chairs, books and toys where children are welcome to play during the service.

All service times, events and contact details are in the weekly Notices which are displayed in the porch.

If you have been thinking about coming to church - get that alarm set for Sunday and don’t worry about being late!

BRHS - Burton & Rossett Horticultural Society Gardening News

By EssentialsMAG gardening contributor CAROL EDWARDS

Well, here we are at the start of the summer, and the garden is finally waking up. At the moment even the birds are really singing too.

We have had some really warm weather so far, closely followed by a ‘humdinger’ of a storm last night which interfered with our television!

If you find that your flower borders are looking a bit bare, try looking at dahlias or sunflowers to cheer them up. Children like growing sunflowers particularly - they can be started off in a pot or sowed direct in the soil.

If you have any lavender, consider taking some softwood cuttings. My plants have not done so well this year, so I may take some cuttings to give me extra plants to grow on.

If you have any fruit trees, you may notice that they suffer from June drop. This means that the new fruit falls off.

Don’t worry, as this is normal, and is the tree’s way of dealing with a heavy crop.

If you are growing tomatoes, remember to pinch out the side shoots and feed them with a high-potash feed once a week. You can’t beat home grown ones for taste and flavour.

Plants grow quickly in June, so make sure they are staked and tied in, and watered regularly. Try to damp down the greenhouse too, as this will help to prevent red mite.

Also, if you have a pond, check if you have blanket weed and remove it. Remember to place it at the edges so any wildlife can escape.

Also, don’t forget to keep an eye on the weeds and hoe regularly.

If, this year, you joined in with No-Mow May, now is the time to mow the lawn again it is surprising just how quickly the grass grows, isn’t it?

Of course, remember to enjoy your gardens too!

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Local Birds and Wildlife News

By REVEREND HUGH LINN

June is a busy month for birds. By this time of year many of our familiar garden species are looking after second broods. As I write this article I can see a female Blackbird collecting nest material in my front garden. She has already reared her first family and is now going through nest building all over again. Blackbirds build solid nests consisting of mud cups on a base of twigs, rootlets and leaves lined with dry grass.

One of the most remarkable nests found in gardens is made by Long-tailed Tits containing a mixture of moss, lichen, cobwebs, animal hair, grass and frequently lined with as many as 1,000 or more feathers. This nest has the advantage of being flexible and capable of stretching to accommodate growing nestlings. Swallows and House Martins build their nests of mud inside buildings or under eaves strengthened with dry grass which sets hard and enable the nests to be used for several seasons. In recent years, House Martins have been decreasing in numbers.

Woodpeckers hack out nesting holes in trees. We have three Woodpecker species locally. The most numerous is the Greater Spotted Woodpecker. The young can be distinguished by their bright red crowns. The bird in the photo is a youngster. The Green Woodpecker (also known by its call as “the Yaffle”) is the largest family member and the Sparrow-sized Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is the smallest and scarcest. It is occasionally seen on Marford Hill and in woods by the River Dee around Aldford.

LONG-TAILED TIT

Gulls (traditionally known as Sea Gulls) are now spreading inland. Once, while held up by traffic lights in Wrexham, I watched a Herring gull collecting grass as nest material from a roundabout. Cuckoos, which are spookily similar to Sparrowhawks, are parasitic nesters, laying their eggs in the nests of smaller birds. This spring there have been several reports of Cuckoos in Minera Quarry and hills around Wrexham.

Summer migrants worth looking out for are once common Spotted Flycatchers. In recent years they have nested in three local churchyards (Eccleston, Rossett and Bruera) but elsewhere they are becoming very scarce.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER

Maes y Pant Latest News

by Chair Ian Happs

This morning, I was giving a presentation about Maes y Pant, its place in our community and how it is managed by a team of volunteers. The event was a conference of medical educators, and amongst many technical discussions, we made space to talk about diversity and inclusion, the importance of belonging and the value which can be gained from volunteering. The group appreciated my photos of the site and the amazing work which is done to maintain the woodland as a diverse habitat for nature and a haven for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. I was reminded how fortunate we are to have this place on our doorsteps.

The woodland is certainly bursting into life again with the aid of a spell of warm, wet spring weather. The scars of the timber harvest in February 2023 are healing well, with the clear-felled areas showing an amazing abundance of naturally seeded native trees and shrubs. We’ve taken the decision to let that natural regeneration happen without interference, as previous experience has shown us the trees are much more vigorous than any we’ve planted.

So far this year, the main tasks for the volunteers have been to maintain the paths and the steps to the viewpoint.

We’ve also acted on the advice from our annual playground inspection and added another 1,000 litres of play bark to the play area surface.

During the next volunteer session, on 8th June, we will be joined by a butterfly expert. We hope to conduct a small survey of the butterfly species on the site, as well as doing some work to improve the habitat for some rarer butterflies which are known to live at sites nearby. If you would like to join us, the volunteer sessions are on the second Saturday of every month, from 10:00am to 12:30pm. We meet next to the storage containers near the car park off Pant Lane in Gresford.

If you would like to support Maes y Pant by becoming a ‘Friend’, please email mypag.gresford@icloud.com and we will send you a registration form. The Friends group is an essential part of our financial planning. For a donation of just £10 a year you could help us to keep the site safe and accessible. You would receive our monthly email and Friends Newsletter in return.

Gresford Trust Newsdesk Latest News

By IAN GIBSON, Gresford Trust Chairperson

The Trust continue to upgrade and improve the facilities we provide and in line with that objective we will shortly be carrying out some work on our three car parks by the main building, the lake and behind the scout hut.

The parking bays will be re-marked and additional spaces will be provided to help overcome some of the parking problems which exist, especially near the Hall.

To carry out this work we will unfortunately have to close the car parks on June 12th, 13th and 14th. We aim to keep the closures as brief as possible and details of when each car park will be closed will be communicated in advance.

Your co-operation will be greatly appreciated to ensure it runs smoothly.

Please DO NOT use our car parks on the dates they are closed.

AGM

Another important date for your calendar is 8th August. This is the date we plan to hold our AGM. Our latest accounts are with our auditor for scrutiny and will be available for approval at the AGM.

This is also the meeting when all the Trustees retire from their roles, and we are aware that, due to ill health, some Trustees will not be standing for re-election.

Vacancies will therefore exist and members of the local community will be able to put their names forward for election at the AGM. The Trust can elect up to 12 Village Representatives to sit on the Trust Board. These are joined by appointed Representatives from several village organisations and, together, they work to ensure the smooth and legal operation of the Charity.

We look forward to hearing from anyone who is interested in joining Team Trust.

An update on the upcoming work to install new gas infrastructure in and around the village will soon be available. We understand that Wales and West Utilities will hold a public consultation on 4th June to outline the plans and members of the community will be invited to attend.

Gardening mornings

For those with green fingers, our gardening mornings will run on the following Thursdays between 10am-12pm:

13th June

11th July

8th August

5th September

By ELAINE LACEY, Chair of Governors, with HENRY JONES, Associate Pupil Governor, Darland High School

In April, we celebrated the achievements of over 200 students and staff at our annual award evening held at the William Aston Hall. Award recipients were recognised for their hard work and the outstanding contributions they’ve made to school life.

A key focus this term is to continue to support our year 11 students with their exam preparations, building on a ‘revision tips’ evening and the delivery of additional revision sessions over the Easter holiday. As we prepare to say goodbye to this superb cohort, we’re getting ready to welcome our new year 7 students on the common transfer day 27th June. We’ve started to get to know them through our Darland Learning Community activities and already feel that our student body will be enriched by their enthusiasm and attitude to learning.

At Darland, we believe that engaging students in meaningful leadership roles and decision making creates a greater sense of belonging and opportunities for development. Young people have the right to have a say in decisions that affect them and we embrace this with our ‘student voice’ activities.

Every year, two Associate Pupil Governors are nominated to become members of the governing body to represent the ‘voice of students’. They attend the Full Governing Body meetings and ensure that issues raised by their peers are heard.

Through the School Council, students are empowered to engage with decisions about

the school environment, curriculum and their wellbeing. I recently attended a School Council meeting and was impressed by the communication and problem solving skills displayed by the students. Regular, dedicated tutor time in form groups provides further opportunities for all students to be engaged in decisions about school life.

The School Council also has an input into teaching staff appointments, signalling to prospective new members of the team that our students are at the heart of our school community and that their views matter.

“At Darland, the student voice is taken very seriously. We’re involved in creating new policies, improving student life and have brought in initiatives to help give back to our local community. We receive input from across the school and feel like we make a difference in the school.” Henry Jones, Associate Pupil Governor.

If you would like to discuss becoming a governor, or the work of the governing body, please contact me at: enquiries@darlandschool.org.uk.

Award evening hosts, Henry Jones (left) and George Syrett (right)

MARFORD

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Offering high-quality childcare all year, including school holidays for children 3 years to 14 years.

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Flexible Childcare, only pay for the childcare you need! Children can join ‘Fun Time’ as soon as they are 3 years old.

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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

The Ro昀t Primary School

HAPPY, CREATIVE, CONFIDENT –INSPIRED TO ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Ro昀t Primary School in Marford is a happy and creative school that inspires children aged 3-11 to work and achieve together.

Nursery & Reception Admissions 2025 OPEN AFTERNOON: Thursday 26th September 2024 @ 1:30pm

To make an appointment to our Open Afternoon, please call 01978 853116 or email mailbox@rofft-pri.wrexham.sch.uk Visit our website: www.therofftschool.co.uk

Journey Back 2,000 Years

By PHIL HIRST, Director, Park in the Past

Imagine you could step back in time to when the Romans arrived in North Wales…

The smell of wet bracken, long grass and oiled steel on a damp autumn morning. The sound of a rider’s jingling harness, the clonk of wooden shields on armour and the orders of the officers calling out blanketing the birdsong and the rustling in the undergrowth.

Park in the Past is an exciting and innovative heritage and conservation project, creating a totally unique heritage attraction and vital community resource. Set in an ancient Welsh landscape, near Hope in Wrexham, the Park’s 120-acre site combines an extraordinarily rich mix of pastimes for people of all ages to see and do – swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding on a crystal-clear 35 acre lake; walking and wildlife watching in native wildflower meadows and riverside woodlands; and the experience of being transported back in time to Roman and Celtic days - all nestled on the edge of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Britain's Big Fort

The Park’s centrepiece is a reconstructed full-size authentic Roman fort set within a rewilded 1st century AD landscape. ‘Britain's Big Fort Build’ is the first complete Roman fort to be built in Britain for nearly 2,000 years! This unique ‘living history’ experience is ready to explore by visitors who can meet the Romans and walk in the footsteps of their ancestors. Under construction is an impressive headquarters

building with troops ‘on hand’ to share just how tough and challenging life was for a Roman soldier on the frontier.

An extra ‘wow factor’ of a new giant earth house will soon grace the Park’s ‘Prehistoric Realm’ too. This striking, atmospheric, eco-friendly structure combines the best of ancient building techniques and modern thinking to bring an awesome rustic dimension to festivals, weddings and community events.

Thanks to a recent development loan, new leisure activities will be coming soon, including axe-throwing, archery and spear throwing, weekly photo competitions with prizes, art workshops, guided walks and wildlife safaris. For those wishing to relax, visitors will be treated to a new lakeside café, and mind-friendly areas to chill out in the gorgeous and tranquil surroundings of the Park.

Park in the Past

Fagl Lane, Hope, Wrexham LL12 9HB www.parkinthepast.org.uk facebook: @parkinthepast

Park in the Past is open to the public all year-round, on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays - 9am to 6pm. The Park is available for specific bookings, education visits and groups at other times.

Professional Will Writing Service

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.

EssentialsMAG Tasty Recipe

Elderflower Sorbet

Make this easy sorbet while elderflowers are in season. It's a fat-free, refreshing dessert for summer, or serve as an aperitif with a shot of gin poured over.

INGREDIENTS

20 heads of elderflower, freshly picked

300g caster sugar

2 lemons, halved and juiced (reserve the halves)

METHOD

SERVES 8-10

Choose elderflowers with clean, creamy white petals, snipping the stalk just before the flowers fan out. Put in a large pan with the sugar and 550ml water, the lemon juice and the juiced halves of the lemons. Bring to a gentle simmer, then turn off the heat and leave to infuse (and the sugar to dissolve) for at least 1 hour or up to 5 hours.

Line a large sieve with muslin and set over a bowl or pan. Strain the mixture and discard the flower heads and lemons.

Pour into a freezeable container (preferably one with a lid) and freeze for 2-3 hours until semi-frozen.

Scrape the semi-frozen mixture into a food processor or blender and blitz to break down the lumps of ice – you may need to scrape down the sides a few times. Put the sorbet back in the container and freeze for another 1-2 hours.

Repeat this process another two or three times. The more times you blend the sorbet, the smoother it will be.

Will keep frozen for up to three months. To serve, remove from the freezer and leave to stand for 5 minutes before scooping.

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. 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.

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

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, cordial. They are best picked in the late afternoon on a sunny day, when they are holding more pollen and more flavour.

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

Dodleston Local History Group

By EssentialsMAG history contributor BERNARD DENNIS, MBE

The ‘Bishop’s Chair’

Like many ancient churches scattered across the country, there are certain artefacts within that are just taken for granted; seen but not identified for what they really are or what story they have to offer. One such item in St Mary’s Church, Dodleston, is what’s known as The Bishop’s Chair. This now resides to the left of the altar and is a fine example of hand-crafted carving, but it has an interesting backstory.

The timber it’s made from dates from the 17th century but the chair doesn’t date from that period. On the back of the chair is a brass plaque, which reads: “This chair is made of oak taken from the roof of Bebington Church at its restoration in 1897. The roof was dated 1687. Presented to Dodleston Church by Middleton-Beckett. 19 December 1920.” The church in Bebington, Wirral, is St Andrew’s.

Apart from being well carved and constructed, the chair also displays two images of a Green Man. The Green Man, also known as a ‘Foliate Head’ is a motif in architecture and art, of a face made of, or completely surrounded by foliage, usually spreading out from the mouth. Apart from a purely decorative function, the Green Man is primarily interpreted as a symbol of rebirth, representing the cycle of new growth that occurs every spring.

The idea that the Green Man motif represents a pagan mythological figure, as

proposed by Lady Raglan (Julia Somerset) in 1939, despite its popularity with the lay public, is not supported by any evidence. In fact, when researching more about Lady Raglan, her theory about the Green Man being pagan is referred to as ‘bunk’!

In fact, the formal invitations to the Coronation of Charles III and Camilla in 2023 depicted the Green Man’s head. So much for its Pagan origins!

According to the official royal website “Central to the design (of the invitation) is the motif of the Green Man, an ancient figure from British folklore, symbolic of spring and rebirth, to celebrate the new reign. The shape of the Green Man, crowned in natural foliage, is of leaves of oak, ivy and hawthorn, and the emblematic flowers of the United Kingdom.”

Purists argue the foliate head is not “an ancient figure from British folklore,” rather a European import from antiquity!

Whatever the case may be, St Mary’s Church is blessed with an incredible gift of artisan workmanship that deserves recognition. For further information please contact: Bernard Dennis on 07966 436073.

•

Business Advice Learning Hub

By VICKY HEATHFIELD

How to create a business website

Creating a business website is a pivotal step in establishing your online presence and reaching potential customers. Here's a guide to help you navigate the process:

Define your goals: Before delving into website creation, clarify the purpose of your site. Are you selling products, providing services, or sharing information? Understanding your objectives will shape the design and functionality of your site.

Choose a domain name: Select a domain name that reflects your business and is easy to remember. Ensure it's relevant, unique, and preferably includes keywords related to your industry.

Select a content management system (CMS): CMS platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace simplify website creation and management. Choose one that aligns with your technical skills and business requirements.

Design your website: Design a visually appealing and user-friendly website that reflects your brand identity. Consider elements like colour scheme, typography, layout, and navigation. Ensure your website is mobile-responsive to provide a seamless experience across devices.

Create compelling content: Develop highquality content that engages visitors and

communicates your brand message effectively. Include clear and concise product/service descriptions, captivating visuals, and relevant calls-to-action.

Optimise for search engines (SEO): Implement SEO best practices to improve your website's visibility in search engine results. Conduct keyword research, optimise meta tags, headers, and URLs, and regularly update your content to enhance search rankings.

Integrate analytics: Install analytics tools like Google Analytics to track website traffic, user behaviour, and conversion metrics. Analysing this data will help you identify areas for improvement and optimise your website's performance.

By following these steps and continuously monitoring and updating your website, you can create a professional, functional, and impactful online presence for your business.

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

By Vicky Heathfield, Editor of EssentialsMAG

vicky@essentialsmag.co.uk www.essentialsmag.co.uk

Tel: 01978 855459

‘Hwb-Date’

These are exciting times for the Hwb project! You’ve probably noticed there has been huge progress on the construction of the community hub. The build is on schedule and we anticipate completion and handover early in September. We are currently conducting a survey to find out what activities and services people would like to see delivered from the hub. We want to ensure that we maximise the use of this valuable resource for as many members of the community as possible. Look out for the survey form on our website: www.hwbyrorsedd.org.uk, electronic links via social media, and paper copies in local shops, pubs, pharmacy etc. Please do complete the survey, as it’s your opportunity to have your say.

Hwb Summer Social

We are holding a Hwb Summer Social in the Tipi at the Golden Lion on 21st June, a great night is planned, with a hot supper and live music. We want to make it a night of celebration and we’d love to see you there. Tickets are available from the Golden Lion in Rossett.

In the meantime, if you want more info on how you can get involved, please contact us by email at hwbyrorsedd@gmail.com or via our Facebook page: @hwbyrorsedd

The Physio & Therapy Clinic is an established and independent clinic with a team of highly specialised and experienced physiotherapists and hand therapists. We treat a broad range of conditions - sports injuries, dizziness, women’s health and general musculoskeletal physiotherapy - using a variety of treatment techniques.

The Physio & Therapy Clinic, Gwenfro, Unit 10, Wrexham Technology Park, Wrexham LL13 7YP Tel: 01978 312 407 / Email: info@thephysioclinic.org.uk

www.thephysioclinic.org.uk

Pulford & Poulton Local History Group

By BEN JOHN, Chair of PPLHG

Preserving Heritage: PPLHG inspires young minds with school competition. In an attempt to encourage interest in all aspects of local history, the Pulford and Poulton Local History Group sponsored a competition for primary schools in the local area.

This year, the children of Eccleston Primary School participated enthusiastically, providing 17 entries in the different categories of essay, poetry, and artwork. The winner in each category was presented with £50 vouchers.

The quality of submissions so impressed the judges, eg. the creative use of cardboard, moss, ice cream sticks, glass fragments, mosaic tiles, photographs and a musket ball as well as free verse poetry,

that they decided to add four highly commended prizes of £20 each.

In addition, every entrant was presented with an attractive certificate of participation in the event.

As Katie Prescott, Headteacher of Eccleston Primary School, is retiring this year, she was given a thank you token for all her support to the history society in getting this competition off the ground.

Given the interest shown in this first event, the local history group is hoping to make this an annual event and perhaps involve more primary schools in this and neighbouring districts.

The photograph shows the three prize winners at the prizegiving ceremony on 10th May; two school governors; the headteacher and the chair and committee member of the Pulford and Poulton History Local History group.

Sarah Atherton MP Member of Parliament for Wrexham

Recently, the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon was officially twinned with Wrexham. HMS Dragon, recognisable for its roaring Welsh dragons, emblazoned across its bows, played a starring role in the 2021 James Bond film ‘No Time To Die’, where it fired missiles that destroyed a target, apparently killing 007 in the process. During the Second World War, ships were linked to Wrexham thanks to the Warship Week campaigns, which involved cities, towns and villages adopting military ships by raising cash for the vessels. It saw HMS Veteran – sunk in 1942 by a German torpedo – affiliated with Wrexham, while HMS Begonia and HMS Anemone were sponsored by local villages from the surrounding area. For over a year, I have been lobbying the Ministry of Defence and collaborating closely with Wrexham Council’s Armed Forces Champion to secure formal affiliation between Wales’ newest City and a Royal Navy ship. The response from our local veterans, veterans’ associations in Wrexham, and the community has been overwhelming. This marks not only an exciting chapter for Wrexham but also for those who will serve on board.

Recently, it was announced that the nearly 500,000 signature petition to scrap the Welsh Government’s 20mph policy is to be debated in the Senedd. My efforts calling on the Welsh Government to scrap this policy continue and I would like to draw your attention to my 20mph survey. Recently, the Welsh Government’s new Cabinet Secretary for Transport announced that he is open to making changes to the policy, urging councils in Wales to exempt roads from the 20mph speed limit. From September, councils across Wales will have the authority to reinstate 30mph on certain roads. Whilst I appreciate the new Transport Cabinet Secretary’s effort to appease Wrexham’s drivers, it is a dereliction of duty for the Welsh Government

to pass responsibility for their policy to Wrexham Council.

To ensure that residents can have their say on which roads they would like to be exempt from 20mph, I have launched a survey. The results will be forwarded to Wrexham Council. To share your thoughts, please click on ‘Road Survey - 20mph’ on my website: www.sarahatherton.org.uk. Thank you to everyone who has shared their views already.

Lastly, I was delighted to attend Wrexham’s first Armed Forces Community Hub at the University. This collaborative effort brings together the Council, Woody’s Lodge, Wrexham Football Club, and the University to provide a welcoming space where veterans can gather for a cup of tea and a friendly chat. Anyone is welcome to go along, whether you are a veteran or working to support veterans. Their next session is on Friday 7th June from 11:00 – 13:00 at Wrexham University. If you have any questions, please email: AFCC@wrexham.gov.uk.

If you are a resident in the current Wrexham constituency boundary and need my assistance with any local or national issues, please contact me.

Sarah Atherton MP for Wrexham/ Prospective Parliamentary Candidate

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

Mind The Gap

By EssentialsMAG environment contributor ROB RENOUF

A survey of almost 130,000 people across 125 countries explored their views on climate change and found that:

• 89% wanted governments to do more

• 86% felt people should try to fight global warming

• 69% were willing to contribute 1% of their personal income towards this.

However, the research also identified a ‘perception gap’ - citizens all around the globe underestimate the willingness of their fellow citizens to act.

Why is this?

Our perception of people we don’t know can be influenced by the media. Tackling the climate crisis requires massive changes to our current way of life including reductions in inequality. Billionaire media moguls are unlikely to be at the forefront of promoting this agenda.

Many find there are few forums where we can have an honest conversation with other people about the climate crisis. It’s a weighty topic and introducing it in some social contexts can feel like a faux pas.

A positive response to this issue has been the emergence of climate cafés (www.climate.cafe) offering spaces for people to share and explore their concerns with others.

Why it matters

Many of us are ‘conditionally cooperative’we’re more willing to contribute to a common good if we believe others will do the same. Underestimating the desire of others to take action may therefore reduce our own willingness to act. If politicians underestimate the level of public support it can also make them less likely to take action. Discovering that the majority of people are more willing to take climate action than we thought offers genuine cause for optimism. The research also highlights how our actions can create benefits beyond their direct impacts through influencing others.

However, it’s important to consider the logical corollary - if others see us engaging in behaviours which are harmful to the environment, this may reduce their own inclination to act.

Some people seek to dismiss individual behaviour change as little more than virtue signalling. The reality is that it forms a vital component of the solution to the climate and ecological emergency. In addition to the direct impacts, it has a valuable role in demonstrating to others our willingness to act and encouraging them to also do more.

environment contributor is Rob Renouf robsrenouf@gmail.com

Professional Interior & Exterior Plastering Services

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Alyn Family Doctors Latest News

What is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner?

Over the past month, we have welcomed two new Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANP) to Alyn Family Doctors. Many patients are unsure about what exactly an ANP is, and what they can do. An ANP is a Registered Nurse (RN) educated to master’s degree level (or equivalent) in clinical practice. They form an important role within the surgery. Following the triage process, you may be allocated an appointment with an ANP instead of a GP.

What does an ANP do?

There’s a whole range of tasks that ANPs can carry out. They can:

• Take a full medical history, carry out physical assessments and examinations.

• Make a diagnosis and carry out treatment, including prescribing medicines.

• Plan follow-up treatment.

• Refer patients to hospitals for further tests.

Where can ANPs work?

• Essentially, ANPs are required anywhere that would benefit from their advanced skills and knowledge. This includes GP surgeries, A&E departments, care homes, and medical assessment units.

How are GP practices benefitting?

• ANPs have an important role to play in supporting and enhancing primary care service provision. They have been shown

to improve a patient’s satisfaction, alleviate pressure on GPs and provide high quality care where it is needed.

Can ANPs prescribe medication?

• All fully qualified Advanced Nurse Practitioners can prescribe medication for any condition within their competence.

• They can see patients with undiagnosed, undifferentiated medical conditions and make treatment decisions.

• Advanced Nurse Practitioners can utilise the wider multidisciplinary team if they are unsure about making a clinical judgement, for instance, gaining advice from a GP if they require further expertise.

What can patients see Advanced Nurse Practitioners for?

• Patients can see Advanced Nurse Practitioners for both acute and longterm conditions. This ranges from the treatment of common illnesses, such as infections to more complicated or chronic conditions, such as diabetes and COPD.

• At Alyn Family Doctors, a GP will have triaged your request for assistance and decided that an ANP is best suited to help you.

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

Lesley Griffiths MS Member of the Senedd for Wrexham

EssentialsMAG readers may be aware the Welsh Government has drawn up a new three-phase plan that will focus on the 20mph speed limit. From May until July, the Welsh Government will listen to citizens, as well as a wide range of relevant bodies and organisations, to understand their perspectives on road safety. The Welsh Government will then work with councils during the summer to prepare for the outcome of the discussions. Once the new guidance is finalised, the third step will be for the highway authorities to start the process of adjusting speed limits on relevant roads. This final stage is expected to start in September.

While the 20mph policy hasn’t changed, this work will allow a wide range of views and evidence to be collected, helping ensure the guidance is clear and thorough. Many agree 20mph is the right speed limit outside schools, hospitals and in built-up residential areas but there are currently significant variations across the local authority areas in Wales.

I continue to be contacted by constituents who are for the 20mph speed limit and by those who are against it.

We must remember the principal objective of the policy is to save lives and reduce casualties on our roads and the Welsh Government is clear that the degree of change in each of the 22 local authorities across Wales will ultimately be determined by the public and by councils.

Wholesale changes are not expected, but if residents believe a particular road is not suited to the 20mph restriction, and there are legitimate reasons to support the claim, they can highlight this to Wrexham County Borough Council. I have been regularly corresponding with the Local Authority on the matter and constituents can offer their views and thoughts by contacting the Council via the dedicated email address –20mphConsultation@wrexham.gov.uk

The annual Wrexham Walking Festival gets underway this month, offering the ideal opportunity for ramblers to strap on their walking boots and enjoy our region’s picturesque surroundings. A series of free walks will take place every day from Saturday 1st – Sunday 9th June and people of all ages and abilities are welcome. I’m a long-time supporter of the festival and will be joining in once again this year. For updates and more information, visit the website: www.walksinwrexham.com

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

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

Protecting You And Your Family

By WARREN HADLOW, Director of Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Ltd

We are all worried about the strain on our finances with current cost of living, which is why thinking about what would happen if your income stopped altogether due to an unfortunate accident, long term sickness, or even death, is more important than ever. How would you and your family manage your bills if this were to ever happen?

Many people take out insurance for certain assets they acquire in case they break, get damaged, or even destroyed, such as their car, phone, or the contents of their house. But what about your biggest asset – YOU?

When we speak to clients, some of them feel that they could rely on the State if they were ever in a situation where they were unable to continue paying their bills due to ill health. So, let’s consider this scenario.

From the Government website, Statutory Sick Pay is £116.75 a week for up to 28 weeks* and is not available for self-employed people. Employment Support Allowance is currently a maximum of £138.20 a week**. Given that, in 2022, the average household in the UK spends £528.80 a week***, this would leave you with a significant shortfall.

So, what is life insurance and income protection?

Life Cover – this cover can be used for either mortgage or family protection. It cannot compensate emotionally for the loss of a loved one, but it can take off financial pressure by ensuring your

dependants have the financial resources to maintain their standard of living as before, should the worst happen.

Critical Illness Cover - this cover is also used for mortgage or family protection. Common critical illness claims are having a heart attack, contracting cancer, or suffering a stroke. This cover can help if you or your partner fall seriously ill and were unable to return to work. Even if returning to work was an option after treatment and rest, the financial support available to help you get back on your feet and adapt to life ahead would be one less thing to worry about.

Income Protection – this cover will ensure you continue to receive a regular monthly income (after your employer’s sick pay period) if you’re unable to work for a time, due to ill health or injury, to enable you to maintain your lifestyle with as little disruption as possible.

If you feel that you would like to review your existing protection cover, or you would like to see what protection options are available for you and your family, please contact us via email on Hadlow.Edwards@sjpp.co.uk, or call the office on 01978 311611

* Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), Gov.UK, 2024

** Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Gov.UK, 2024

*** Family spending in the UK: April 2021 to March 2022, ONS, 2023

By Warren Hadlow of Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Limited

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

Hugh Jones & Ross Shepherd Councillors for Rossett

Zebra crossing. Work has been carried out on the zebra crossing found near to St Peter’s School. The height of the ridge has been lowered and amended to conform to other similar traffic calming measures. This will help reduce road noise in this area.

One way system. The road markings have been altered to again make the no entry more obvious. It is apparent that the majority of the drivers who enter the Co-op from cutting across the one way system have a complete disregard for the law and North Wales Police will be stepping up patrols and issuing on the spot fines to these motorists. We have arranged an on site meeting with the Rural Inspector of Police.

Almere Ferry. Street Scene have been busy attending a number of large pot holes down Almere Ferry. The team are working hard to ensure the roads in the ward are kept as ‘pot hole’ free as possible.

Speed checks. A number of speed checks have been carried out in various hotspots throughout the village. These include Burton Road where complaints have been regularly received about cars travelling way in excess of the speed limit on a daily basis.

20mph speed limit. We are awaiting final guidance from Welsh Government on the review of the 20mph speed limit which we understand will begin in September. It is anticipated that this will provide an opportunity for local consultation and we will ensure this happens in Rossett.

Pavements. Street Scene officers are currently improving a number of pavements in the area. This is including improving the surface and ensuring they are wide enough to allow pedestrians easy access.

Hedges. As always, at this time of the year, we receive a number of complaints regarding obstruction of pavements by overgrowth resulting in pedestrians having to walk in the road. Hedges can be cut where public safety is concerned subject to a check for nesting birds being carried out. We ask residents to consider whether their hedges are obstructing pavements.

Caravan site, Llyndir Lane. We have been in regular contact with planning enforcement with regard to the unauthorised caravan site that has appeared on Llyndir Lane. Action will be taken, however, there is a complex and often drawn out legal process that has to be followed in the case of such developments and we ask for your patience. You can be assured that we will be in regular contact with officers.

Bee Friendly Scheme. As some of you may recall Rossett is part of a Bee Friendly scheme and it is hoped that, where possible, everything is done to help maintain this status. Bees, butterflies and other pollinators are an essential component of our environment but numbers have declined. To help address this concern please plant flowers, avoid pesticides, provide water, plant in clusters, this will help support local bee keepers.

Hugh: Tel: 07769 706999

hugh.jones@wrexham.gov.uk

Ross: Tel: 07715 473776

ross.shepherd@wrexham.gov.uk

Beryl Blackmore - Deputy Mayor & Councillor for Marford & Hoseley

I really hope we are in for a sunny summer - it makes such a difference to peoples well being.

Couple of problems in Marford - the junction at Chester Road from Narrow Lane - vans park on both sides of the road cutting visibility, which is an accident waiting to happen. If you can park off road, please do.

Claypit Lane again, please park in The Church if attending functions there, or walk if you are local and fit enough. Visibility is bad as cars turn from the Chester Road and meet cars overtaking the cars parked right up to the double yellow lines. I have been asked about extending the lines away from the junction and did mention this at the Community Council meeting, but there has not really been enough complaints, so please take care.

I had a complaint from Residents that a hedge was cut back on the border of the Amenityspace on Gorse Crescent and the residents had thrown the cuttings onto the field! You are responsible for your garden waste - fill your green bin or the Council will move the rubbish and give you a hefty bill!

Wrexham saw the Eisteddfod Proclamation Ceremony in May. This is in preparation for August 2025. No mention yet of where it will take place, but there was an amazing turn out on Llwyn Isaf. My only request is that more English should be used, as I and many residents wanted to understand more of the service. It’s part of Wales to have an Eisteddfod, so let’s embrace the build up.

Gresford Methodist Church, which is right on the border of Marford, will celebrate 145 years of Witness in the local community on 30th June at 10:30am at the chapel, Chris Pritchard, a past Minister, will lead the service.

Please can I ask you all to treat this as a ‘come back to church day‘ and join us - everyone is welcome, and I am sure there will be cake and coffee and more . Then it’s time to look at the future of the Chapel, ready to celebrate 150 years in 2029!

Some good news - the vacancy for a Marford and Hoseley Councillor has been filled .

As Deputy Mayor, it was great fun to launch a Rescue Boat, which was part of an award the Gresford Sailing Club won in recognition of their work over many years. I cut the ribbon and then found myself with a life jacket on and propelled into the boat alongside eight young people. I managed to get in and out with reasonable dignity! All was well until someone mentioned Titanic sinking and how many times the children had capsized a boat!

Twins on the boat had a Birthday to celebrate, so we sang as we went round the Flash. Dot, my Consort, followed suit and took a trip on the water. Both of us survived!

What a super club! Got and take a look as the club would welcome new faces. They have lots of boats just just waiting for some intrepid sailors.

Have a lovely June. My contact details are below should you have any concerns.

Tel: 07933 201731

beryl.blackmore@wrexham.gov.uk

• Accident & Injury

• Agriculture & Estates

• Business Structure & Issues

• Children

• Clinical Negligence

• Commercial Property

• Company & Commercial

• Court of Protection

• Crime, Regulatory & Prison Law

• Employment Law

• Family & Matrimonial

• Litigation & Dispute Resolution

• Mental Health

• Probate, Wills, Tax & Trust

• Professional Negligence

• Residential Property

• Spinal Injuries

26-30 Grosvenor Road, Wrexham LL11 1BU 01978 291456 wrexham@ghplegal.com LL LLANGOANGOLLLLEN

The Old Bank, Berwyn Street, LL20 8ND 01978 860313 llangollen@ghplegal.com

21 The Cross SY11 1PN 37-39 Willow Street, SY11 1AQ 01691 659194 oswestry@ghplegal.com

Jeremy Kent Councillor for Gresford

I hope everyone enjoyed the four days of warm weather that we managed to enjoy in May! The summer is really off to a sluggish start isn’t it?!

There were a number of issues that have been raised with me throughout the month and these, as ever, keep me busy finding the best ways to be able to support residents.

The wet weather hasn’t stopped me from being able to get out on foot around the village a little more over the recent weeks. I 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.

I have also been out with the Housing Officer to discuss various elements around how we support Council Contract Holders and being able to use some environmental funding to improve the general amenities around the village and, in some areas, provide additional parking to be able to alleviate some of the issues we see of highdensity parking.

I also spent some time “on the beat” with our local PCSO, Lisa. We got the opportunity to share information about what has been keeping them busy and how we can support each other in our work. I have a good relationship with both Lisa and the Rural Inspector and they do share information as required. We spoke about antisocial behaviour, and the increase we see in this, as the nights get lighter, for longer.

We also discussed a number of issues around parking and vehicles, that have been reported. Some of these issues have been taken forward, however where they are taxed, insured and parked legally, there is little we can do if they have been left somewhere for a long time, or where they may be unsightly to those who may not wish to see them parked near their property. We will however, do what we can to encourage more considerate parking.

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 arboriculturist 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.

Useful Numbers

ANIMAL CARE

Daleside Veterinary 01978 311 881

Farndon Kennels & Cattery 01829 270 198

Gatehouse Veterinary 01244 570 364

Green Lane Veterinary 01244 683 858

Park Lane Kennels 01978 852 914

Rhyd Broughton Veterinary 01978 720 362

RSPCA 0300 1234 999

Vets4Pets 01978 352 499

COUNCILS

Cheshire West & Chester 0300 123 8 123

Wrexham 01978 292 000

DOCTORS

Alyn Family Doctors 03333 323 260

Farndon Village Surgery 01829 771 588

Marches Medical Practice 01244 520 615

Strathmore Medical Practice 01978 352 055

NHS Direct 111

DENTISTS

Bridge End Dental Practice 01978 762 030

Chapel Cottage Dental Practice 01978 854 745

Rossett Dental Care 01244 571 544

Springfield Dental Care 01978 851 300

OPTICIANS

Gresford Eyecare 01978 855 828

HOSPITALS

Countess of Chester 01244 365 000

Wrexham Maelor 01978 291 100

LEISURE CENTRES

Gwyn Evans 01978 269 540

Northgate Arena 01244 380444

Plas Madoc 01978 821 600

LOCAL FACILITIES

3C Pest Control 01948 838 111

Adult Social Services 01978 292 066

Citizens Advice 0300 330 1178

Foodbank - Chester 0151 355 7730

Foodbank - Wrexham 07538 547971

Recycling Centre - Chester 01244 372 764

Recycling Centre - Tattenhall 01829 771 337

Recycling Centre - Whitchurch 0345 678 9007

Recycling Centre - Wrexham 01978 292 000

Samaritans 116 123

For your local POLICE STATION in a NON EMERGENCY dial 101

LOCAL SERVICES

Air Ambulance - Wales 0300 0152 999 Fire & Rescue - Cheshire 01606 868 700

Fire & Rescue - North Wales 01745 535 250

Environment Agency 03708 506 506

Natural Resources Wales 0300 065 3000

Severn Trent Water 0800 783 4444

Welsh Water 0800 052 0130

LIBRARIES

Chester Library at Storyhouse 01244 409 113

Gresford Library 01978 852 627

Llay Library 01978 855 100

Overton Library 01978 710 557

Wrexham Library 01978 292 090

SCHOOLS & NURSERIES

Abbey Gate College 01244 332 077

All Saints’ Primary School 01978 852 342

Benison Nursery School 01244 676 199

Bishop Heber High School 01948 860 571

Dandelions Day Nursery 01829 272 277

Darland High School 01244 570 588

Dodleston Pre-School 01244 661 611

Dodleston C E Primary School 01244 662 990

Eccleston Primary School 01244 981 000

Farndon Primary School 01244 981 280

Gresford Playgroup 07523 398 880

Holt Primary School 01829 270 021

Holt Under 5’s Playgroup 07496 231 275

Leaps and Bounds Pre-school 01244 678 997

Little Scholars Nursery 01978 314 912

Marford Playgroup 07947 473857

Rhosnesni High School 01978 340 840

Rossett House Nursery 01244 571 872

St. Paul's VA Primary School 01978 661 556

St. Peters Primary School 01244 570 594

Shocklach Primary School 01829 250 285

The Catholic High School 01244 981 600

The Homestead Day Nursery 01978 853 946

The King’s School 01244 689 500

The Maelor School 01948 830 291

The Queen’s School 01244 312 078

The Rofft Primary School 01978 853 116

The Spinney Day Nursery 01244 577 948

Ysgol Bryn Alyn 01978 720 700

TRAVEL

Rail Enquiries 03457 48 49 50

Just For Fun

Crossword

ACROSS

1 Too; in addition (4)

3 Delicate ornamental work (8)

9 Novice driver (7)

10 Type of plastic (5)

11 Small garden carts (12)

13 Subtle detail (6)

15 Capital of Germany (6)

17 Fellowship (12)

20 ___ Klum: supermodel (5)

21 Went in (7)

22 Bouquets (8)

23 Football boot grip (4)

DOWN

1 Permitting (8)

2 Gaze fixedly (5)

4 An advance; progress (6)

5 Lacking a backbone (12)

6 Regeneration (7)

7 Snake-like fish (4)

8 Uncomplimentary (12)

12 Unequal; biased (3-5)

14 Small and flat sweet cakes (7)

16 Impudent (6)

18 White heron (5)

19 Opposite of thick (4)

Classic Sudoku

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

Here are the answers from May:

Celebrating 35 Years in Business!

Celebrating a landmark 35 years in business! In 1989, Paul and Caroline founded the company, and 13 years later their eldest son, Ben, joined the business. This year, they welcomed Ben’s wife, Kelli, to the business. It’s this family approach that resonates with so many of our customers, and sets us apart from so many others, as we provide a personal service that has family values at its heart.

Our stunning indoor display centre showcases a huge range, consisting of seven different types of windows, several full-size conservatories and orangeries, an extensive range of doors, our brand-new free-standing garden room and different solid roof options for your conservatory.

“