EssentialsMAG March 2021 Rossett/Marford/Gresford/Holt/Farndon

March 2021

Your monthly local community magazine

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Find the 5 little EssentialsMAG mice hidden in this magazine for a chance to WIN £30!

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Welcome...

Welcome to our March issue!

After almost a year of curbs, separations and uncertainty, it looks like there could finally be light at the end of the long lockdown tunnel.

The country is about to take its first steps on the road to lockdown freedom and, in Wales, all adults will have been offered a first COVID vaccine by 31 July.

On top of this optimistic news, the Spring Equinox on 20th March is fast approaching, which will mean the days are getting longer and a bit warmer too!

Spring is the perfect time to update and refresh your home, which is why a spring clean has become such a well-known chore at this time of year. It’s time to open the windows, let in some fresh air, and perhaps treat a room or two to a makeover, especially if you haven’t tried something new for a while. Check out our ‘Favourite Finds’ section where we have sourced gorgeous floral homewares, to freshen up any room.

Elsewhere in this issue, we’ve also included all your favourite sections, including gardening, pets, tech, books, finance, puzzles and wellbeing. Enjoy!

Stay safe and look after one another.

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

www.essentialsmag.co.uk

Cover Image: Spring is in the air!

April Deadlines: Editorial - 12th March Advertising - 19th March

We’ve got the local area covered!

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Rossett, Marford, Gresford, Holt, Farndon, Churton, Aldford, Eccleston, Lavister, Poulton, Pulford, Dodleston, Burton and Golly.

Also available at 25+ pick-up points across the region.

You can also read our magazines online at: www.essentialsmag.co.uk EssentialsMAG is published by Essentials MAG Limited, a local independent publishing company. All content within the publication is copyright of Essentials MAG Limited.

The publishers cannot accept responsibility for views or opinions expressed by contributors or for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers. All dates, times, URLs and phone numbers are understood to be correct at the time of submission to print. © EssentialsMAG Limited 2021.

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Can You Find the EssentialsMAG Mice?

Hidden throughout this magazine are five other mice, (just like the one here, but smaller) for you to find.

Find the five other mice for a chance of winning £30!

WIN £30

HOW TO ENTER THE COMPETITION: 1. Simply read this magazine from cover-to-cover and find the other five little mice hiding amongst the adverts.

2. Go to: www.essentialsmag.co.uk/mice and complete the competition form with your answers.

3. Closing date: 31st March 2021.

The first correct answer drawn at random wins.

The usual EssentialsMAG competition terms and conditions apply.

This publication is printed on FSC® certified paper.

When you have finished reading it please put it in your paper recycling bin.

Local News Applause and Tears Hundreds of people gathered in Marford and Gresford to say goodbye to brave 10-year-old Eva Williams who touched the hearts of thousands. Her funeral was led by a unicorn-drawn carriage, and 400 purple balloons lined the route from her home in Marford.

The following day Eva’s father, Paul Slapa, posted: “Well, once again we were humbled by the support from everyone in giving Eva a truly special send off. Though nothing was ever going to change how hard yesterday would be, we can take some comfort from the number of lives Eva has touched. Seeing the streets lined with purple and seeing so many people showing their respect and love for her was heart warming on the most difficult of days. Thank you to everyone who helped to set it all up, thank you to everyone who turned out in support, and thank you to everyone once again for all of the love you have shown us and Eva this past year.”

Creating a World Class Destination Trevor Basin and its surrounding area is a part of Wrexham county that, quite rightly, everyone is extremely proud of. As one of Wales’s three World Heritage sites, it attracts over 300,000 visitors per year and there are now plans afoot to improve the visitor experience once there. Whilst Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is hugely impressive and a must-see during a visit to the region, it would be great if visitors could stay longer to enjoy more of what the site has to offer.

A Masterplan has been published which sets out to do just that. The plan includes a visitor hub, increased parking facilities, glamping accommodation and exciting activities including a tree-top walk. The next stage is to secure funding from the Welsh and UK governments in order to take this exciting plan forward.

Postcode Lottery Award Holt Community Gardeners are delighted to announce that the Postcode Lottery’s Community Trust Fund has supported our project to ‘Enhance our inclusivity’ by awarding us a grant to purchase solar power equipment for our polytunnel.

The Solar Power Kit will power such things as cooling fans, lights, soil warming cables and other systems for our polytunnel. This is needed to help people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to join in with gardening activities, e.g. people in wheelchairs and those who need the environment regulated as the polytunnel can get very hot.

It also improves the environment for current members and it will enhance our green credentials.

It will help the health and wellbeing of members of our village and is an investment for our future. We would like to thank everyone who plays the People’s Postcode Lottery.

You have turned our dreams into reality.

Caffi Cwtch Delivers Meals to Your Door A new frozen and fresh meal delivery service, ‘Meals by Caffi Cwtch’, has been launched

by Nightingale House Hospice. Unable to open during lockdown due to COVID restrictions, the hospice’s Caffi Cwtch, with the help of volunteers, started delivering freshly made delicious meals locally.

Meals can be collected, or delivered, and the venture will provide much needed funds for hospice patient care.

A wide range of fresh and frozen meals are available including nine new main dishes by Caffi Cwtchs award winning Head Chef, Peter Jackson. Specials include fresh fish and chips and a tapas selection. Much of the meal packing will be biodegradable and has been designed by the in-house team.

For orders, collections and deliveries call 01978 447550 between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday.

Share your news with us!

Submit an article at: www.essentialsmag.co.uk/article

More Local News at: www.essentialsmag.co.uk/local-news

Local News

Faceshields and PPE for the Community PPE Hwb Wrecsam have been helping the local community stay safe since the end of March 2020. Run entirely by volunteers on a non-profit basis, we developed our own faceshield that was awarded a CE Mark Category 3 - the gold standard for PPE. In addition to having thousands of our facevisors ready for same day collection, we bought 50,000 type IIR, 3 layer surgical facemasks. In response to local demand we now also have a supply of disposable aprons and sanitising gel, all medical grade.

From individuals to big companies, we have helped them all - anyone can qualify if they ask! We just request in return that those who can afford to donate to help us continue the project do so, as we rely entirely on grants and donations. Our continued aim is to support the community through this pandemic in any way we can!

To make a request or for more details we can be contacted from our Facebook page, on WhatsApp (07817 441507) and on our website: http://ppehwbwrecsam.org.uk/

Wrexham Country Market Wrexham Country Market has a wide selection of jams, marmalades, chutneys, baking and craft items for sale. Orders taken over the phone: 07854 215040 / 07523 385048 or via their Facebook page: @WrexhamCountryMarket

Rossett Festival 2021 On 9th February Rossett Village Festival held their 2021 Open Meeting on Zoom! While there is lot of uncertainty in making any plans the committee has decided that we will be doing something on August Bank Holiday Saturday, the 28th. To find out what - watch this space!

Gresford Community Library We’re open as usual!

Despite everything, we’re still here, and open for ‘Order and Collect’.

Come and see us on: Tuesdays 2pm - 5pm Saturdays 10am - 1pm

Zoom Sunday Service Crewe by Farndon Methodist Church holds regular Sunday services, as permitted by current rules, at 4.30pm on Sundays on Zoom.

Thursday morning group ‘Butterflies’ continues.

For details please email: cbfmethodist@gmail.com

Show the Love In February members of Gresford WI made green hearts for the Climate Coalition’s ‘Show the Love’ campaign. President, Lynne Humphreys, placed a green heart every day around Gresford and Marford for children to find and take home, along with a message asking the finder to ‘Show the Love’ “With this little green heart, we are asking you to take part in ‘Show the Love’ this February and to be kind to your wonderful World in whatever way you can."

The Climate Coalition are the UK’s largest group of people dedicated to action against climate change. For details visit: www.theclimatecoalition.org

Hillock Lane Housing Development Proposals have been submitted to build 109 new houses on land adjacent to Hillock Lane in the villages of Gresford and Marford. Things do not appear on the surface to have changed with regard to the planning application for the land off Hillock Lane.

The cattle are still grazing and the dog walkers are still braving the mud to cross via the public right of way and, now that the archaeologists have moved on, taking their portaloo with them, the only visible signs of their exploration of the site are the bare patches of mud in an otherwise green field. We know that the archaeologists did, in fact, discover artefacts of a Neolithic or later prehistoric date, providing evidence of a settlement which warrants further investigation.

We also know that Wrexham Council’s Chief Officer, Environment & Technical, has recommended that the planned development be refused: ‘on highways grounds because of the increased likelihood of collisions occurring between pedestrians and vehicles on Hillock Lane and because of the increased use of the substandard Hillock Lane/Wynnstay Lane junction’.

So there is cause for some optimism for those who would like see the proposal rejected, although we cannot assume this will be the case. What we can do is to maintain our pressure on Wrexham Council Planning Committee, continuing to make our voice heard. The Hillock Lane Action Group has set up a website to provide information and co-ordinate action. Although the official deadline for responses to this application (P/2020/0354) has now passed, objections can still be made to Wrexham Council using a link on the website: www.gandmhillocklaneactiongroup.co.uk

More Local News at: www.essentialsmag.co.uk/local-news

Why Do We Think Self-Care is Selfish?

By EssentialsMAG motivation contributor SASHA KENNEY Would you ever think about going for a weekend health retreat if you knew you were needed elsewhere? Or even for a ‘lift me up’ walk and talk with your friend, if other urgent things need to be done?

A lot of us wouldn’t, simply because it feels too selfish.

This brings about an important general question: Why do we think self-care is selfish? After all, a friendly chat or a weekend retreat is too often a muchneeded self-care.

Firstly, we are pumped with the idea that self-care is pampering, something we don’t really need, rather than something you simply deserve!

Secondly, a lot of us are natural carers; we feel obligated to be the caretakers children, spouse, parents, dogs, etc.

But here is the thing… you can’t pour from an empty cup!

We need to realise that in many ways selfcare is the exact opposite of selfishness: • Self-care has benefits for you and everyone else in your life • Self-care helps bring out the best in you/selfishness the worst • Selfishness prevents you from giving of yourself/self-care enables it.

Here are a few ways to put yourself first: Stop thinking that you’re being selfish If you feel guilty for taking care of yourself and finding ways to relax, you are not alone.

But, remember, you are not being selfish; you are being smart! How can we care for others, how can we be the best version of ourselves if we don’t practice self-care?

Realise there is enough time to do anything if you prioritise it. Most of us do understand the need to take care of ourselves but, often run out of time to put it into practice. So, put yourself at the very top of your to-do lists and schedule ‘metime’ in your calendar to prevent other things from getting in the way.

Don't take your mental and physical health for granted. What happens if you don’t take good care of yourself? If you don’t take action to look after your mental and physical health every single day? Let’s not take our health for granted (it’s probably our biggest asset after all!) and remember: prevention is way better than cure.

So let’s do this! What will you do today to practice some self-care?

EssentialsMAG motivation contributor is Sasha Kenney of Hoola Nation, World Record holder and Motivational Speaker. sasha@hoolanation.co.uk

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Privacy

By EssentialsMAG tech contributor DAVID HUGHES This month, I’m straying slightly from my usual style. This is more of an opinion piece, but, one that I hope might encourage you to think about this subject for yourself, and consider more carefully what information you share online.

Speaking at a conference recently, CEO of Apple, Tim Cook, said that privacy was “one of the top issues of this century”. This came days after his company reported over $100 billion in quarterly revenue for the first time, mostly gained through the sale of products that live in our pockets and on our wrists, and are almost always listening.

Apple are becoming notorious in the tech industry for their approach to privacy, blocking other big players like Google, Facebook and Amazon from tracking their users’ information. The company’s moves to do so are not universally popular; especially not with those big players, whose own revenue often rely on knowing as much about a user as humanly digitally possible.

Apple’s previous, more famous CEO, Steve Jobs, said this in 2010: “I believe people are smart and some people want to share more data than other people do. Ask them. Ask them every time. Make them tell you to stop asking them if they get tired of your asking them. Let them know precisely what you’re going to do with their data.”

It is not for me (or anyone else) to dictate how much information you share online.

If you want to tell your Facebook friends that you are on holiday for two weeks, sharing details of the experience with them, then that’s your prerogative.

But, by now we all should know that your location, interests, contacts, spending patterns, as well as gender, age and name, are being logged with each post you share.

Terms and conditions can be read in detail though I haven’t met anyone who has even tried. Settings can be changed to limit how widely information is broadcast, but when all is said and done, it is now said, done and recorded long into the digital future.

Embarrassing moments of my teenage years remain a little raw on my memory.

Embarrassing moments of my children’s teenage years may never fade, instead they are archived, catalogued, indexed and retrieved at the whim of a disgruntled ex.

Humanity has so much to gain from digital connectivity. It has already fundamentally changed our world for the better - a fact exemplified and amplified by the current pandemic - but, individually we should not let our naivety and desire for an easier life lead to us living in a world governed by big tech and what they think we should think.

Normal service will be resumed in future articles, and I will try my best to cover the complex world of social media privacy settings but, for now, I hope you take away from this article one overriding message: it is important to think about what you share online.

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

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Afternoon Tea for 2 on Mother’s Day From Cwtch Ceramics & Deli in Rossett To enter simply go to: www.essentialsmag.co.uk/afternoontea and complete the competition entry form.

PLEASE NOTE: The winner must be able to collect the prize in person from Cwtch Ceramics & Deli in Rossett on 14th March 2021.

Competition closes 12/03/2021. Terms & conditions apply.

Artistig Gifts and artwork created to inspire and encourage. Greeting cards, posters etc.

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The Last Ice Sheet

BY PAM GIBBONS Look closely at this old postcard of Marford Smithy. It’s a familiar scene looking up Marford Hill towards the Trevor Arms. However, travelling the same route today, something significant is missing! In the background a towering land mass dominates the Marford skyline standing more than 130 feet tall.

Marford Smithy I have lived in Marford for almost 20 years and I was baffled and intrigued. My initial thought was perhaps a slag heap from mining in the vicinity but this thought proved way off. It turns out that this massive feature is sediment left behind as a glacier or ice sheet retreated (melted) and deposited its load of ground up rock in the form of gravel and finer sand.

In order to grasp the scale - if the deposits laid down on the landscape measure 130 feet high, the thickness of the glacier ice that ground down all the rock under its path could be half a kilometre in depth!

The Last Ice Sheet A bit of research revealed that the Last Ice Sheet covered this area in the late Devensian Age (20-25,000 years ago). In geological terms this is literally yesterday!

Ref: Map of the Last Ice Sheet – reproduced by kind permission of Prof. Bryn Hubbard, Dept Geography & Earth Sciences, Aberystwyth University.

To put this in perspective, the coal deposits in the region were laid down 350 million years ago in the Carboniferous period.

Our area forms part of the Wrexham Delta Terrace, a platform to the east and north-east of Wrexham, dominated by glacial sands and gravels. Our distinct landforms have been created by the confluence of two huge ice sheets, the Irish and Welsh sheets.

As the ice melted, so the deposits were left behind and the landforms were created. A fascinating interactive glacial map has been created by the University of Sheffield called BRITICE which enables you to see the glacial features of your postcode area (visit: www.briticemap.org).

Where is the Marford ‘hill’ (moraine) now?

The deposits have been quarried over the last century. Sand and gravel were, and are, in huge demand for building projects, big and small. Rossett Sand and Gravels, McAlpine United Gravel Company and Tarmac Ltd have worked the area. Building materials from Marford quarry contributed to airfields and the Mersey Tunnel.

Marford Quarry closed in 1971 and the area is now part of the North Wales Trust Nature Reserve, popular with walkers.

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EssentialsMAG Favourite Finds...

Spring vibes...

Pastels, florals, and bright accents will freshen up any room.

Velvet Crane Cushion £12.50 www.marksandspencer.com

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Honey Spiced Lavender Botanical Candle £28 www.sophieallport.com

Bluebellgray Tetbury Duvet Cover Set from £90 www.johnlewis.com

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Set of 4 Midsummer Floral Plastic Drinking Glass £14 www.wayfair.co.uk

Motoring Milestones

By RICHARD HUELIN Early motor cars were playthings of the wealthy. Prior to the First World War, various makers constructed what were known as cycle cars as a method of bringing affordable motoring to the masses. Generally underpowered with minimal weather protection or comfort features, such vehicles were relatively expensive. Few, if any, could be described as safe, practical family cars.

The car that was to bring affordable motoring to the masses was introduced in 1908; the cost of initial versions was still out of the reach of most people. Engineer Mr Henry Ford was determined that his creation of the Model T Ford should be within the reach of the average family. With careful attention to detail and introduction of assembly line methods, Henry Ford was eventually able to announce:

British factory at Trafford Park Manchester for the manufacture of right-hand drive cars. With the advent of the First World War in 1914, production of specialist Model T’s such as ambulances, water carriers and service wagons commenced.

“I will build a car for the great multitude.

It will be large enough for the family, but small enough for the individual to run and care for. It will be constructed of the best materials, by the best men to be hired, after the simplest designs that modern engineering can devise. But it will be so low in price that no man making a good salary will be unable to own one and enjoy with his family the blessing of hours of pleasure in God's great open spaces.”

As the war came to an end, mass production for peacetime began.

Lessons learnt in perfecting production lines allowed selling prices to fall, bringing a range of new reliable commercial vehicles and family cars within the reach of businesses and many families. From that time, until the end of production of the Model T in August 1927, prices of the car fell while wages increased, making all versions of the Model T affordable.

By 1913 thousands of the cars were being produced every week with more cars produced than all other carmakers combined. In the same year, popularity of the car was such that Ford built their first

With 15 million sold, the Ford Model T was named the most influential car of the 20th century in the 1999 Car of the Century competition, ahead of the BMC Mini, Citroën DS and the Volkswagen Beetle.

Model T Fords ©Richard Huelin

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Pack Your Bags for a Great Adventure...

By EssentialsMAG travel contributor Ann Anglesea at DELMAR WORLD in Gresford

Something a Bit Different...

Part of my job is having regular meetings with our key tour operators and new suppliers to make sure our clients continue to benefit from all available product and campaign offers.

In the current climate, this has become even more important because COVID has caused so many holiday cancellations and changes that our travel partners have had to be flexible and nimble, not only to survive the crippling effects on their businesses, but also to deliver the best solutions for our customers.

As a result, I have enjoyed some positive and uplifting discussions about the future and I am delighted that there are many innovative plans to inspire and encourage our clients to travel again, as soon as the time is right.

I was rather puzzled by the gloomy warnings from some politicians that people should not book a summer holiday yet because all of our suppliers are offering flexible booking conditions, ‘COVID cancellation’ guarantees and price parity promises. This ensures that those of you who want to get a holiday date in your diary can do so with absolutely no risk of financial loss - and can secure a good price now before the inevitable surge in demand once restrictions ease and prices are pushed higher.

Many people are considering holidays nearer to home this year and, with this in mind, I was really excited to have met up with Tradewind Voyages: a new company that is sailing a five-masted tall ship from Portsmouth in June, on a series of nine voyages around the UK, including the Jurassic Coast and Scotland’s Western Isles.

Golden Horizon is the largest square-rigged sailing ship in the world with 140 cabins accommodating 272 guests and 157 crew. This luxury sailing vessel provides spectacular dining, including selected complimentary wines and beers during lunch and dinner. All accommodation has a sea view and range from cabins with portholes to Deluxe Balcony Staterooms and an Owner’s Suite. Single cabins are also available with a wide single bed.

This beautiful vessel boasts three swimming pools (including a deep dive pool), water sports, spa and salon, library and a gym. The marina platform at the stern offers the opportunity for kayaking, canoeing, swimming and snorkelling. Destination speakers are on board to enhance your knowledge of the locations you will visit and live music and local shows will give variety and entertainment to your evenings.

“THIS BEAUTIFUL VESSEL BOASTS THREE SWIMMING POOLS”

Golden Horizon will make its debut in the UK, before heading east, following the winds and tracking a course around the world. It also offers the most sustainable cruises available and Tradewind’s philosophy is to be powered by nature whenever possible with the intention of sailing without using propulsion for around 70% of each season. Just imagine standing on the expansive deck, the breeze in your hair as you gaze out to the horizon. The wind fills the sails and the rigging strains as you make your way to a new remote port where a new adventure awaits.

If lockdown has taught us anything, it is that, when the world opens up again, we have to make the most of every opportunity and treasure every minute.

If you would like to learn more about the luxurious Golden Horizon sailing experience, Tradewind will be joining me for a live Zoom, where you will have the opportunity to learn more about their product and have any questions of your own answered. You can register to join us on 17th March at 12pm by emailing: sally@delmarworld.co.uk.

Or you can request a full colour brochure by calling us on 01978 853886.

Happy sailing!

Ann Anglesea, Managing Director

Delmar World are leading travel experts in Worldwide tailor-made holidays & cruises. For details contact: Tel: 01978 853 886, www.delmarworld.com 54-56 Chester Road, Gresford, Wrexham LL12 8NE Now also in Heswall, Tel: 0151 363 6115

BRHS - Burton Rossett Horticultural Society Gardening News

By EssentialsMAG gardening contributor CAROL EDWARDS March is here and it is a hopeful, happy time for gardens with plants and bulbs starting to burst into life. Unfortunately we are still in lockdown but are looking forward to returning to more of a normal way of life, although things will probably be different than before. The good thing about our gardens however, is that we can all look forward to being outside, I have missed sitting outside a lot during the winter - and barbecues too of course.

Now is the time to start on the weeding and hoeing. I know that my garden is overdue for a really good tidy and the paving slabs in my path in the back garden definitely need a good scrub too. It is a good time to fertilise and mulch the beds as this will give your plants a good start for the planting season. Well rotted manure is ideal for this, or pelleted chicken manure or blood fish and bone which comes in a powdered form.

Your containers will need the top soil replacing with fresh compost too. New growth will need protecting from slug damage. You can use nematodes for this they are available on the internet, or in the garden centres when they re-open. This is a much safer way to prevent slugs that doesn’t endanger birds or pets.

On one of my walks round the garden in the last few days I discovered, to my surprise, that a winter flowering clematis I planted on a metal support at least two years ago has burst into beautiful white bell flowers. It just goes to show that gardens can surprise you. I had thought that I would have had to remove it, so was very pleased as you can imagine.

Let’s hope that the Spring is well on it’s way and we can all get out in our gardens soon and enjoy them.

For more details: www.brhs.org.uk

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Local Birds & Wildlife

By Rev. Hugh Linn The author of the Song of Solomon's simple description of Spring is that it is when “flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle (dove) is heard in the land.”

TURTLE DOVE

In our part of the World, flowers, in the form of snowdrops, have been in bloom for well over a month and in my garden birdsong was launched with gusto on February 1st when a Song Thrush moved in and announced its presence with a full throttle rendering of its melodious song.

Song Thrushes have declined by over 50% since 1969. Whereas once we could expect Song SONG THRUSH Thrushes to be year-round garden residents, even singing in the depths of winter, nowadays that is unusual. We should have an indication of their current status when the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch results are published. It is thought that changes in farming patterns may be contributory factors with loss of hedgerows (nest sites) as fields are increased in size and switched from grassland (where worms flourish) to crops (worm-free zones as far as thrushes are concerned).

The situation is even worse for the old author's avian herald of Spring. Turtle Doves are now almost extinct in the UK. My last local sighting of a Turtle Dove was 22 years ago in Burton Green and that was just passing through on migration.

There is better news for Blackcaps which have been much in evidence in gardens over the winter. Toby Carter, a Bangor University research student, has been collating records from Daily Post readers. Obviously this is not an exhaustive survey but, the findings indicate a significant increase in the number wintering locally. 158 North Wales gardens hosted 263 of these continental migrants. We had seven in our garden.

The month of March is change-over time. Fieldfares and Redwings are setting off for Northern Europe and Scandinavia. Last year a flock of more than 200 broke their journey for a rest and a snack in a Poulton field which also provided a stopping-off point for Pinkfooted Geese. By mid-month we expect to hear Chiffchaffs singing their characteristic two-note ditty.

By the end of the month Sandmartins should be back hawking for insects over Gresford Flash and butterflies like Red Admirals and Small Tortoiseshells will be emerging from hibernation.

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Money Changes Everything!

“She said because she loved me she was giving me the money, not lending it!”

As solicitors, how often have we heard a client say that, but not be able to prove it?!

Time-after-time when helping clients to settle the financial side of a relationship breakdown, we find that they did not have any paperwork drawn up to confirm loans or gifts given during happier times. And without some kind of hard evidence to back up what they are saying, the acrimony begins and stress levels go through the roof.

At times like this, when there is such a change of heart, couples would find it more than a tad useful to have something in writing to provide evidence of their original intention or agreement. Putting something down in writing could change everything and save a lot of heartache all round if things go wrong, so don’t let your heart rule your head. Either put something down in writing yourself or go to a solicitor and have an agreement drawn up.

It is so common when couples come together but do not marry that, for whatever reason, one of them lends or gives money to the other to help them out.

It could be to sort out a debt or a property, or perhaps one person pays for things that are going to be jointly used simply because they have had a bonus and are feeling more flush.

You will each need to seek independent legal advice and, you will need to consider what will happen if you split up, for example when will payment be needed? If there is property involved, you should also consider noting the agreement against the title at the land registry – either by a restriction, a notice or a charge.

Financial generosity is an easy thing to give when you are in love, but when it comes to a break-up money changes everything and the fight is usually on, with each party battling to get the most to help them on their way to a new start.

Whilst this may all sound cold, as solicitors we know how painful break-ups can be and a set of pre-existing rules about sorting out the money can help. It will be cheaper to sort out an agreement at the start of a relationship than at the painful end.

This article has been written by Robert Williams, Partner with GHP Legal Tel: 01978 291456 To get in touch please use the ‘Contact us’ form on the website: ghplegal.com

We are still extremely busy and, whilst our colleagues are well equipped to work remotely, due to current circumstances work may be interrupted – however cases are still ongoing and will be prioritised by urgency and need. Stay safe and thank you for your support.

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MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!

Sarah Atherton MP Member of Parliament for Wrexham It was a privilege last month to be invited to the Local Vaccination Centre (LVC) which opened at Glyndŵr University and understand some of the fantastic work being done there. The sheer volume of people getting vaccinated - around one person per minute during the day, six days per week - is a testament to the dedicated staff that work there.

Having liaised with Wrexham Council, I know that officers there, too, are keen to ensure that things keep flowing smoothly, even going so far as to make the centre a priority for gritting during the inclement weather last month.

Further, having held meetings with GP surgeries in the area, I know that they have also been especially useful in the rollout and I thank them for all they have done as well.

At the time of writing, Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board is focusing on administering the vaccine to Groups 3 and 4, meaning that all over 70s should have been vaccinated by mid-February. However, invariably when you see an operation of this scale being undertaken, things may get missed.

So, if you are in a priority group and have not received a letter confirming your appointment, you should contact the Betsi Cadwaladr vaccination booking centre on: 03000 840004. This is only for people in the priority groups aged 70 and over and should not be used by others.

Betsi Cadwaladr has also advised that, should you receive an invitation to a vaccine appointment at a vaccination centre and a local GP surgery, you SHOULD NOT call the 03000 number above to cancel either appointment. Any duplicate appointments will be captured by the booking system, and the vaccines team will make sure that no vaccines go to waste by utilising a standby list.

As this vaccine rollout progresses, we can all look towards a brighter spring and, we can hope, a more normal summer. I know that the hundreds of business owners, parents and people struggling to cope with lockdown, who have been in touch with my office, will look upon this moment as the one glimmer of light in a difficult twelve months. The last year has not been easy, but now we have the road map to the finish line. Let’s keep supporting each other, keep each other safe and we will come out the other side.

As always, if you need my help or assistance please email: sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk

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

EssentialsMAG Easy Crafts

How to Make...

A Crazy Pom Pom Caterpillar YOU WILL NEED...

A few different balls of wool A fork A pair of scissors Some eyes for the caterpillar

INSTRUCTIONS...

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Once you’ve made your Caterpillar share your photos with us on Facebook @EssentialsMag Wrexham

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STEP 1:

Cut two lengths of wool approximately 30cm long.

STEP 2:

Place one of the lengths of wool down the centre of the fork and hold it down the handle.

STEP 3:

Wrap the wool from the ball around the fork.

STEP 4:

Tie the first length of wool in a knot around the wound wool with the knot on the upper side of the fork.

STEP 5:

Place the second length of wool through the fork and tie in a knot on the other side so you have knots on both sides of the fork.

STEP 6:

Slide the wool off the fork and using the scissors cut the loops that you’ve made by wrapping the wool around the fork.

STEP 7:

Repeat steps 1-5 with different coloured wools.

STEP 8:

When you’ve made your desired amount of pom poms tie them together using the lengths of wool that you used to tie the pom pom.

Once you’ve tied the pom poms together you can trim the lengths.

STEP 9:

Attach the eyes with glue and you have your caterpillar!

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BY VICTORIA GREEN - mum to three young childre. In her spare time, Victoria loves to get creative whether that be knitting hats for her kids or painting the local scenery. https://greenimagery.wordpress.com/ www.facebook.com/VictoriaGreenArt/

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EssentialsMAG Tasty Recipe

Spanish Eggs with Chorizo & Peppers SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS 500g baby new potatoes 2 onions, sliced 2 red peppers, deseeded and cut into strips 200g cooking chorizo, sliced 4 eggs

METHOD Steam the potatoes for 15-20 minutes or until cooked.

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a non-stick pan. Add the onions and peppers, then cook for about 10 minutes until soft.

Push the peppers to the side of the pan and add the chorizo, sizzling until cooked though and releasing its oils. Transfer to a plate.

Once cool enough, halve the potatoes. Heat 1 tbsp oil in another non-stick pan and tip in the spuds. Fry for about 10 minutes until golden and beginning to crisp.

Stir in the onion mix, heat through and season.

Meanwhile, in the onion pan, fry the eggs to your liking. Place them on top of everything, allowing 1 egg per person.

Simply Delicious!

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

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Trying out our recipe?

Share your photos with us on Facebook @EssentialsMag Wrexham

How to Reduce Inflammation and Ease Joint Pain

BY SAMANTHA GRIFFITHS It might surprise you to know that joint pain is one of the leading causes of disability in the UK. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and the overuse or misuse of joints can all affect quality of life.

Although joint pain cannot be cured, it can be managed with exercise, nutrition, and supplementation. These four measures have been shown to reduce inflammation and alleviate joint pain symptoms: Eat oily fish at least once per week If you have joint pain, you’ve probably heard of the benefits of oily fish. Oily fish contains the unsaturated Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA (the ‘good fats’). These fatty acids ease inflammation in the body by reducing swelling. Try eating at least one portion per week of an oily fish like sardines, mackerel, salmon, or herring.

If fish isn’t your thing, try a fish oil supplement instead.

Eat walnuts regularly Walnuts are a rich vegetarian source of Omega-3s and have been shown to reduce the markers of inflammation associated with joint pain. Walnuts are nutrient-dense, providing unsaturated fatty acids, fibre, and antioxidants. Walnuts can be included in your daily diet, with a serving of 30g (around 14 halves) making an ideal snack.

Choose colour Generally, the more colour a fruit or vegetable has, the more nutrient-packed it is. Look out for dark greens, vibrant purples, deep reds, and bright oranges.

The pigment that gives these fruit and vegetables their colour also acts as an antioxidant within the body. Antioxidants aid the alleviation of joint pain and reduce inflammation by protecting cells from damage. Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day (fresh, frozen, or tinned!) and you’ll be on your way. Think kale, broccoli, beetroot, peppers, cherries, and blueberries.

Limit pro-inflammatory foods Pro-inflammatory foods increase the inflammatory response within the body, making joint pain worse. These include processed foods high in salt, saturated fat and sugar, red and processed meats, and refined carbohydrates. To reduce inflammation, switch to unprocessed and wholegrain varieties, and reduce red meat consumption to no more than 500g (cooked weight) per week.

In addition to these nutritional tips, it’s important to stay active and rest your joints when needed. Remember that joint pain affects everyone differently, and that results won’t happen overnight! Create habits and keep consistent, and over time your pain should ease.

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

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Responsible Dog Owners Spring is on the way, with hopes of better weather and strolling in the countryside.

However, this idyllic vision is shattered by something less pleasant - litter and dog poo!

Litter really is a blight on our landscape. Choking our hedgerows and endangering our wildlife, unsightly and infuriating. I have lost count of the number of times that I have wrestled a crisp packet or plastic bottle from the jaws of my canine companion or nearly trodden in dog mess!

Fly tipping and littering can be reported to the Council and individuals can receive fixed penalty notices of up to £80 for littering for even a small item such as a cigarette butt!

Dog waste is not only an extremely unpleasant and unwelcome commodity, it is also the perfect breeding ground for bacteria (Campylobacter and Salmonella) and other forms of infection such as Tococariasis, caused by the roundworm Toxocara canis. The eggs of this parasite are present in much dog waste and although initially not infectious, once the eggs hatch, they pose serious health risks.

Every dog owner should be aware that it is their legal requirement to clean up the waste left behind by their dog and can face a fine if they do not comply. A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) ensuring owners pick up their pet’s faeces in all public places in the Wrexham county borough is set to be renewed. As part of the renewal, it is proposed that a condition requiring the person “who is in control of the dog(s) be carrying an appropriate bag or receptacle for the removal of any faeces that their dog may deposit.”

Since Coronavirus restrictions began in March of last year, all dogs are required to be on leads in public spaces, so there really is no excuse not to pick up your dog’s waste!

Of course, once it is picked up, preferably in a biodegradable or compostable poo bag then it needs to be put in a red dog poo bin, general bin or taken home and NOT thrown in a bush or hung on a tree!

Have a safe, healthy, and happy March and remember to pick up your litter, dispose of your dog waste responsibly and keep Britain beautiful for everyone!

Always consult your Vet if you have any concerns about your pet!

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Gresford Trust Newsdesk

By Jenny Dutton The many people who regularly exercise in the Trust grounds will be aware of the new walking route and landscape project in the previously overgrown area between the sports pitches and Clappers Lane fence.

A big thank you is due to Gresford Community Council for the generous grant which made repairs to the fence, clearing of the area and new ‘woodland walk’ through the trees feasible. Trust fundraising for the project had not been possible and of course any hiring income for the Trust has been vastly reduced because of COVID-19.

Trustees were aware there was an increased need for local, safe, and pleasurable walkways on Trust recreational land because of restrictions on travel to other venues. The Trust applied for necessary permissions and care was taken to avoid damage to tree root systems. The Community Council grant made possible the replacement of those parts of the wood boundary fence damaged by road flooding, clearance of the overgrowth, and a 1 metre wide pathway, with limestone chipping finish, from the kissing gate behind the cricket nets to the corner of Trust land by Chester Road, with an additional style at the main road end of the wood fence.

It is hoped that walkers and the mobility impaired will enjoy access to this all-weather pathway and dog walkers too, the majority of whom are complying with the new signage.

A belated thank you is also due to Julian Davies, who retrieved a toy helicopter from the main hall roof, following safety procedure and using the correct ladders. Please, if you have the misfortune to mis-hit a ball onto any Trust building roof - or anything else for that matter - do not attempt to retrieve it yourself but inform the Trustees and it will be returned without damage to yourself or the building!

Trustees extend condolences to the family of Brenda Barker, widow of Bill, a former Trust Chairman, supporter of the Trust and member of Gresford Village Bowling Club. Brenda was a valued member of Gresford Craft Group and a dog agility enthusiast.

She will be missed by all who knew her at the Trust.

Thank you to all the 100 Club members who have renewed for the 2021 draws: an important fundraiser for the Trust.

The few members who have not yet paid their subscription will receive a reminder and the opportunity to participate in the year’s draws.

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Mother’s Day

BY JO YOUNG

Mother’s day is a time for celebration, displaying love, whilst often reflecting It is also a time of buying flowers, chocolates and even some bling It is a time that all sons, daughters come together – whatever their age To say thanks to their Mum, for all the love and care that was made.

But we should celebrate every woman Who couldn’t have children – they shouldn’t be forgotten Their love and emotions they equally share And with their care They only add to the feelings each and everyone of us have To help us share compassion, fairness and even having a laugh!

So, on Mother’s Day let’s support all women Celebrating their strength and tenacity that is clearly driven By positive care and thought And a Love – that simply can’t be bought!

Local Gresford Poet, Jo Young

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The Welsh Labour Party, Plaid Cymru and Wales Green Party were given the opportunity to advertise their candidates here.

Alyn Family Doctors Latest News Our COVID vaccination clinics have continued at pace, but were slightly slowed at the end of February due to an anticipated 2 week National shortage.

It has been a joyful experience to take part in this ground-breaking programme and we are eager to keep going. These articles are written ahead of time for publishing but we anticipate to be into Group 6 at the time of you reading this article in mid March. We should also be beginning to provide the all-important second dose to those already vaccinated. The timeframe between doses will be eleven weeks.

PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SURGERY about either your first or second appointment. You will be contacted directly by the surgery or the Health board.

We have carefully cross-referencing lists received from the Health board to ensure nobody is missed but if you are >65yr or had received a shielding letter and for some reason haven’t been contacted, please do get in touch.

It is worth mentioning that the group you are in is determined by NHS Wales examining your GP records. The Doctors Surgery does not decide this.

An overview of who is considered to be in the ‘at risk’ group can be found here: https://gov.wales/people-increased-riskcoronavirus. As a brief rule of thumb, generally if you are <70yrs and have a

health condition which usually means you are recommended an annual flu jab then you are in Group 6.

A summary of the remaining groups is provided for your reference: • Group 6: Adults in at risk group 16-64yrs & unpaid carers • Group 7: >60yrs • Group 8: >55yrs • Group 9: >50yrs • Then followed by 16-49yr olds We have had a number of patients email us to update their contact details (mobile and email address especially). This is very helpful to us when booking vaccination appointments. If you are able to update us via email or by popping a note through our letterbox, this will keep the telephone lines free for patients ringing for medical advice.

You can also update your contact details directly using the My Health Online service.

Our email address is info@alynfamilydoctors.co.uk.

We’d like to extend our thanks to the community helpers and volunteers who are assisting in transporting patients, helping them through the vaccination centre and, of course, to the Llay Royal British Legion for their amazing support for our communities.

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

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Financial News with Hadlow Edwards Too Good to be True...?

Who would like to have £720 paid over to them off the Tax man this year – even if you have paid NO TAX? Most people I think, so please read on.

Today I am writing about pensions - the basics of how they work and what tax breaks you can receive. You may have a personal pension you pay into just yourself or perhaps a group scheme where you and your employer contribute. You may have no pension at all – but stick with me please - it will be worthwhile!

Let’s take Sam as our first example, who works for a company with 25 employees that has a ‘group pension scheme’ where both Sam and the employer pay something in each month. Sam earns £25,000 per annum and as a basic rate taxpayer gets 20% tax relief. So Sam pays £80 in and the tax man gives Sam £20 to go with it. An extra 25% on top of the contribution and a good deal.

Alex is a higher rate tax payer earning £60,000 per annum and can get £40 extra off the tax man for every £60 contributed (there are limits of course as to how much Alex can pay in). That is a very good deal indeed.

Both Sam and Alex are lowering their tax bills - by using the pension rules that exist to their advantage and try to make the most of what’s available every month.

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

So, what’s ‘too good to be true’?

Charlie is a full time parent with no earnings this year – and has paid no income tax of course. What’s ‘too good to be true’ is that Charlie can still pay into a pension AND get tax relief added to the pot.

A payment can be made of up to £240/month - and HMRC adds £60 to it, topping the contribution up to £300.

Charlie can pay annually if preferred £2,880 and the tax man adds £720 of tax relief.

That’s ‘tax back’ that Charlie hasn’t paid in the first place. Now that is an astonishing deal (and it’s true!).

Charlie’s father is making a gift this year of £2,880 to get the £720 added. Charlie’s partner is doing well and can afford to pay £240 a month next year for the same deal and sees 12 monthly contributions of £60 added in to the pot of course. That is the ultimate tax break perhaps!

We have lots of children having this pension payment made for them by grandparents or parents and lots of ‘other halves’ having their spouse/partner taking the same opportunity. It’s available from birth right up to age 75.

If you would like to consider your own opportunities or perhaps how you can help your family enhance their pension provision - please do drop me a line or call the office to make a telephone appointment as you wish.

Contributed by Warren Hadlow Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Limited.

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

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Lesley Griffiths MS Member of the Senedd for Wrexham Since the turn of the year, the COVID-19 vaccine rollout has been the key issue for people in Wrexham. Throughout this period, I have been in regular contact with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) and have kept constituents up-to-date with the latest developments. At the beginning of February, I also visited North Wales’ first Local Vaccination Centre, located at Glyndŵr University, where I saw first-hand just how hard the staff were working to administer the vaccine to local residents.

In mid-February, Wales hit its first key milestone, becoming the first UK nation to offer the vaccine to everyone in the top four priority groups. This was an outstanding achievement and all the local health services staff, primary care colleagues and volunteers involved deserve great credit.

Throughout this rollout, there will be a small number of people who are unable to make their appointment for whatever reason, but Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is committed to ensuring no one is left behind. Records will be checked thoroughly and those who missed their appointments will be re-invited. If any constituent is concerned they missed out or is having difficulty contacting the Health Board, please do not hesitate to get in touch via the details below.

Attention inevitably turns to the second key milestone, which is to offer the vaccine to everyone in priority groups 5 to 9 by the spring - that’s everyone aged 50 and over, plus everyone who is at-risk because they have an underlying health condition. Subject to supply, the Welsh Government believes it is on track to reach this target by the end of April. As well as offering the vaccine to the next priority groups, since mid-February Health Boards also started administering second doses to people in groups 1 - 4.

Clearly, there is still a great deal of work to be done but, everyone in Wales can be proud of what has been achieved to date. We have led the way and were the first county to vaccinate more than a quarter of our adult population. Wales’ vaccination teams have done an incredible job and I pay tribute to each and every person involved in the rollout.

While it’s undoubtedly positive and a relief more people are receiving their vaccine, everyone must continue to follow the latest guidance and adhere to the COVID measures we have become so used to, in order to help keep Wrexham and Wales safe.

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

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

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The Weather Forecast Doesn't Look Good

By EssentialsMAG environment contributor ROB RENOUF “Climate change is sometimes misunderstood as being about changes in the weather.

In reality it is about changes in our very way of life.” - PAUL POLMAN

At the start of 2021, many parts of Wrexham and the surrounding area were once again affected by flooding. It’s easy to jump to the conclusion that climate change must be to blame, but is this correct?

It’s very difficult to attribute individual weather events to climate change. What the evidence does indicate is that global warming is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather. So, the kind of flooding we’ve recently experienced is likely to happen more often and also be worse as a result of climate change.

Warmer air and seas result in more water vapour in the atmosphere, which creates the potential for more rain. However, climate change doesn’t just mean more rain in other parts of the world, it’s having the opposite effect. The frequency and severity of droughts is increasing in many places including Africa, Australia and the western United States. As mountain glaciers melt, the 1.9 billion people downstream face reduced access to water.

It’s estimated that by 2030 global demand for freshwater will exceed supply by 40%.

What can we do about this?

Unfortunately it’s not like turning off a tap - even if we reduce our emissions to zero today, those already in the atmosphere will continue to

produce further warming. There's a time lag of roughly a decade between greenhouse gas emissions and the bulk of the warming they generate. Carbon dioxide can remain in the Earth’s atmosphere for thousands of years, so our historic emissions have an ongoing impact.

The most important thing we can do is reduce emissions as rapidly as possible, to prevent further warming beyond the amount that's already unavoidable. We also need to focus on adapting to the warming we’re no longer able to prevent. An obvious example is avoiding building on flood plains, due to the increased risks. Another would be upgrading infrastructure, such as drainage systems, to cope with higher volumes of rain.

If we fail to reduce emissions, the amount of money we’ll need to spend on repairing flood damage, replacing infrastructure and upgrading flood defences is likely to be astronomical. I’d suggest this money would be better invested in reducing emissions, to tackle the root of the problem rather than just the symptoms.

EssentialsMAG environment contributor is Rob Renouf robsrenouf@gmail.com

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EssentialsMAG Book Club

Open Water

by CALEB AZUMAH NELSON Two young people meet at a pub in South East London. Both are Black British, both won scholarships to private schools where they struggled to belong, both are now artists.

Tenderly, they fall in love.

But two people who seem destined to be together can still be torn apart by fear.

The Rules of Contagion

by ADAM KUCHARSKI

Dinosaurs in Love

by FENN ROSENTHAL

Why do some ideas take off - and others fail to spread?

Why are some diseases predictable, and others swamped in uncertainty?

Topical and fascinating, The Rules of Contagion peels off some of the mystery and apparent randomness of how things – ideas, trends, fake news and viruses alike – spread and proliferate, or die out.

When singer-songwriter Tom Rosenthal and his daughter Fenn posted their original song, 'Dinosaurs in Love', it became an instant classic. Now readers of all ages can enjoy Fenn's heartfelt, poignant lyrics again and again in this irresistible, sing-aloud picture book, featuring charming illustrations from Hannah Jacobs.

The Greatest Secret

by RHONDA BYRNE Rhonda Bryne, author of the bestselling phenomenon The Secret, takes readers on a revelatory journey deeper into the spiritual realm, offering practical advice on combating pain and overcoming fear. The Greatest Secret reflects Rhonda’s own journey, and shares the most direct way out for those experiencing hardship. Filled with accessible practices that can be immediately put to use and profound revelations that take the reader on an incomparable journey.

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Hugh Jones Councillor for Rossett Flooding. This is a major issue in Rossett and Burton, being caused by one of the highest rainfalls and river levels on record.

There are several problems which lead to the consequences affecting residents.

River Alyn - the failure by NRW to maintain the river and its embankments caused problems in the Almere Ferry area, I have a Zoom meeting scheduled with the Head of NRW for North Wales in the next few days to discuss these issues.

Darland/Gamford Lane - an ongoing problem, the cause of which is well known, two schemes have now been submitted to the Welsh Government who have indicated in principle that they will provide up to 85% of the cost of approved schemes. These are two separate schemes - one for Gamford Lane and the other for Darland Lane.

Ditches - I am working with the Head of Environment to see what can be done to ensure landowners maintain their ditches and water courses.

Greenfields - the problems at Greenfields were caused by the stream being blocked by grass cuttings and domestic waste. It is important to ensure that this is kept clear in order to protect property. Council officers have visited everyone in the area whose property was affected by flooding and WCBC are working on prevention plans once the recovery phase is completed.

Highways Drains. I have received a work schedule that confirms that all highways drains were cleaned within the past 12 months. This is a rolling programme and I am compiling a list of the highways drains that have become blocked following the recent adverse weather.

Highways are working to catch up but it is taking time due to a combination of Covid and the size of the problem across the County. Harwoods Lane and Trevalyn Way are in the resurfacing programme and I am awaiting a date.

Co-op Junction. I continue to receive concerns around the traffic conflict at this location. The Community Council have understandably raised these concerns, particularly following an accident occurring.

It is obvious to all that this needs to be addressed and Highways will be bringing forward a similar scheme to that proposed previously. In the meantime they will be examining a number of suggestions raised by residents at the previous consultation.

There will be full consultation again.

HWB Yr Orsedd. The planning application has raised a great deal of interest and I have received representations both for and against.

The toilet block, notwithstanding several attempts to upgrade it, including CCTV, has been vandalised and is unsustainable in its current format. It would be helpful to have a public meeting as soon as regulations permit.

Litter. A massive thank you to all those residents who continually collect litter from our roadside and lanes - I know one family who recently collected 14 bin bags. Every little helps and is appreciated.

Road Surfaces. A combination of flooding and very cold weather has caused significant problems with potholes, surfaces and edges.

Tel: 07769 706999 hugh.jones@wrexham.gov.uk

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Russell Gilmartin Councillor for Marford & Hoseley Hello everyone, I hope you and yours are keeping well. Here is March’s update: COVID I can’t wait until this isn’t a subtitle in my articles! It’s strange to think that a year ago we were in the calm before the storm. Multiple lockdowns and restrictions followed but since then, to counteract the negatives, community spirit increased. People helped each other and continue to do so, which is brilliant to see. Hopefully we may see restrictions gradually easing soon but until then let’s all keep playing our part in this pandemic and hope for a summer outdoors!

Fly tipping/Litter It has been brought to my attention that a few incidents have occurred on some lanes around the area and I have now notified the Council of these. I have also had complaints of increasing amount of litter and particularly evidence of substance misuse. Our PCSO is aware of this and the areas of concerns. If you do see anything untoward, please report it. Some of the paraphernalia left behind (mainly CO2 cartridges) could cause a serious problem if digested by a dog, so please keep an eye out when walking your dogs.

Potholes Everyone’s favourite subject at this time of year! A number of potholes have been reported and repaired, so please report them to the Council ASAP if you notice any.

Gorse Crescent There have been some storage containers placed on the green whilst some essential gas works are being carried out in the area. I have been assured that any damage caused by them being there will be rectified once the containers are removed.

Hedges Just a polite reminder to keep hedges trimmed back so they don’t obstruct the footpaths around the Village.

Hillock Lane At the time of writing, no decision has been made yet regarding the development proposal but I will keep residents updated should anything change.

In addition to the above and as always, if you have any other issues, please feel free to contact me.

Tel: 07514 676175 russell.gilmartin@wrexham.gov.uk

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Andrew Atkinson Councillor for Gresford I hope everyone is well. I’m delighted that large parts of the High Street and Chester Road are resurfaced, it’s been a long time coming and is a huge improvement! I wanted to focus my entire column this month on fostering as it’s so important and is something that I’m very involved with in the council. I hope that this information is useful and that it can make a difference!

The Big Ask! January 2021 saw the launch of ‘The Big Ask!’ – a campaign to ask us all “what can you do for the children of Wrexham?” The campaign is run by our Corporate Parenting Team and aims to highlight the various needs of children throughout the county borough, as well as ensuring the needs of those children are met. This is in the hands of all of us. That means councillors, council workers and people the council works with, as well as residents - will all have a part to play. Over the next few weeks, we will be focusing on children who are either living in care, or, for any number of reasons, can’t live with their birth families. So, we will be asking you what you think you can do to help.

Initially we are looking for homes for our looked-after children, so if you think you have the qualities needed to be a foster carer, adopter or supported lodging host then please contact us on: Phone number: 01978 295316 Email: fostering@wrexham.gov.uk Website: https://www.wrexham.gov.uk/service/childrens-social-care/fostering You can read more about ‘The Big Ask’ here: https://news.wrexham.gov.uk/the-big-ask/ There are also many employee benefits to offering a home to a child or young person cared for by Wrexham Council.

Here is what some of our foster carers have to say about their role: “You are never on your own. There is always someone at the end of a phone or email to help. The thought may be scary but every question you have can be answered and training is provided. There is a good support network in place too.”

Here is what some of our young people said they would like their carers to be: “Caring, approachable, a good listener, patient, understanding, open and honest, be available, carers must work in partnership with each other, be consistent and non-judgemental.”

Tel: 07914 211631 andrew.atkinson@wrexham.gov.uk

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

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

COUNCILS Cheshire West & Chester Wrexham

0300 123 8 123 01978 292 000

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

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

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

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

OPTICIANS Gresford Eyecare

01978 855 828

HOSPITALS Countess of Chester Wrexham Maelor

01244 365 000 01978 291 100

LEISURE CENTRES Gwyn Evans Northgate Arena Plas Madoc

01978 269 540 01244 380444 01978 821 600

LOCAL FACILITIES Adult Social Services Citizens Advice Foodbank - Chester Foodbank - Wrexham Recycling Centre - Chester Recycling Centre - Tattenhall Recycling Centre - Whitchurch Recycling Centre - Wrexham Relate Samaritans

01978 292 066 0300 330 1178 0151 355 7730 07538 547971 01244 372 764 01829 771 337 0345 678 9007 01978 292 000 01978 265 028 116 123

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

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

0300 0152 999 01606 868 700 01745 535 250 03708 506 506 01926 653000 0300 065 3000 0800 783 4444 0800 052 0130

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

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

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

01244 332 077 01978 852 342 01244 676 199 01948 860 571 01829 272 277 01244 570 588 01244 661 611 01244 981 080 01244 981 000 01244 981 280 07523 398 880 01829 270 021 07496 231 275 01244 678 997 01978 314 912 07947 473857 01978 340 840 01244 571 872 01978 661 556 01244 570 594 01829 250 285 01244 981 600 01978 853 946 01244 689 500 01948 830 291 01244 312 078 01978 853 116 01244 577 948

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Puzzle Page...

Just For Fun Crossword ACROSS 1 4 7 8 9 11 15 17 19 20 21 22

A leaf of paper (5) A long wandering journey (7) Worked steadily at a trade (5) Surround (8) Raises up (5) Take legal action (8) State of Australia (8) Acquires through merit (5) Engraved inscription (8) Expels air through the lips (5) Assign (7) __ Izzard: English comedian (5)

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

Fierce pal (anag) (9) Surgical knives (7) Strong reaction of anger (7) Medium-sized feline (6) __ Plath: author of The Bell Jar (6) Chris __ : tennis champion (5) Signalling system that uses flags (9) Form a mental picture (7) Wild (of an animal) (7) Reply (6) Of high mountains (6) Collection of maps (5)

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

Here are the answers from February:

Classic Sudoku

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