EssentialsMAG March 2023 - North Wrexham/Cheshire Magazine

Welcome...

Cover Image: Elegant flower with ladybird

April Deadlines:

Editorial - 10 March

Advertising - 17 March

Spring is finally here –or is it? According to the Met Office, “meteorological” spring starts on 1st March, but at EssentialsMAG, we’re welcoming it on 20th March – the vernal equinox.

Whichever day you prefer, there’s no doubt that this month has a definite spring in its step, with celebrations aplenty: St. David’s Day on the 1st , St. Patrick’s Day on the 17th and Mother’s Day on the 19th. And after all that, you’ll probably be thankful for World Sleep Day on the 19th, too!

A date that’s firmly on my calendar, is Made In UK Day on 9th March, when we’re encouraged to champion UK-made products. It’s a great way to promote our great British manufacturing and craftsmanship, boost the local economy and reduce carbon footprints. Find out more at: makeitbritish.co.uk/madeinukday.

And don’t forget that the clocks “spring forward” on Sunday 26th March. We can start to look forward to longer, lighter evenings with more opportunities to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, and all those other glorious signs of spring!

Have a great month!

All

EMAIL: vicky@essentialsmag.co.uk

CALL: 01978 855459

www.essentialsmag.co.uk

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the best, Vicky Heathfield

£5m Plan For Wrexham Football Museum

Moves to celebrate Wales' love of the beautiful game are a step closer after plans for a national football museum in Wrexham received a £5.4m boost. Wrexham's football heritage has seen a boost in publicity since Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the club in February 2021. The Welsh government said the venue would "celebrate the sport's heritage". While the exhibitions will be in Wrexham - created through a major expansion of the city's existing museum - the football museum would reflect the whole of Wales by engaging communities across the country. It is hoped the museum, celebrating the highs and lows of Welsh football, will boost tourism and become a key attraction for the area, which would capitalise on growing interest in the men's and women's national sides and Wrexham AFC.

Hosts Needed for Ukrainian Refugees

As we reach the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, Wrexham Council are appealing for more hosts to support those refugees who have been forced to flee their country and offer them host accommodation. Residents are encouraged to come forward if they can provide rent-free lodging for a minimum of six months - whether that be a spare room, or any other type of accommodation.

Each host receives a thank you payment of £350 per month from the UK Government with the potential to rise to £500 per month dependent of the guests’ length of time in the UK.

To find out more please email: homesforukraine@wrexham.gov.uk.

Are You Missing Out on Tax-Free Childcare?

Tax-Free Childcare is a financial support for working families with children up to the age of 11, or 16 if their child has a disability. The government top-up can be used to pay for any approved childcare, including holiday clubs, breakfast and after school clubs, child minders and nurseries.

More than one million families in the UK are entitled to some form of government childcare support and the government is encouraging those eligible not to miss out on their entitlements. Families who have not yet signed up should check their eligibility and apply online via Childcare Choices website: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

Rossett Village Festival Folds

The Rossett Village Festival has sadly folded. The decision was agreed by members of the Committee, and community, who attended their Annual Open Meeting in February. As required by the Constitution, it was proposed and agreed that the remaining assets be distributed between local charities. The charities nominated are Burton and Rossett Horticultural Society, and Rossett and Burton Village Hall. The Rossett Village Festival Committee would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported the festival in any way, shape or form over the years.

Choir Singers Wanted

Cantorion Rhos is an English-speaking choir with strong Welsh influences, established over 40-years ago in Rhosllanerchrugog. They perform to a high standard in concerts and competitions, locally and also abroad, under the direction of Musical Director, Matthias Wurz, and Deputy Musical Director/Accompanist, Caroline Morris.

Rehearsals take place at Wrexham Methodist Church, Regent Street, on Mondays, from 7:15pm to 9:30pm.

Since the pandemic, choir numbers have fallen, and they are now seeking new members. Being a very friendly choir, there are no auditions, and you are not required to read music. Their main aim is to encourage and enjoy singing and share this enjoyment with others.

In September 2023, they shall also need a new Assistant Accompanist (AA), as the current AA is off to University to study music. This position is open to any young pianists who are keen to develop their accompanying skills.

If you are interested in either joining Cantorion Choir, or becoming the new Assistant Accompanist, contact Choir Secretary, David Pearce on: 07944 143119, or message them via their Facebook page: @cantorionrhos

Practising Self-Care

By EssentialsMAG motivation contributor SASHA KENNEY

Over the years there have been many interesting debates on what self-care is; but in this article we focus on vital selfcare, meaning taking an active role in protecting your own wellbeing, health and happiness. I want you to imagine a table, and on it all the most important things in your life; your family, friends, and all the things that are important to you.

The table represents your health, wellbeing, and happiness. The bigger and stronger the table, the more we can enjoy all the things on it.

To keep that table strong and sturdy, we need to look after ourselves and practice self-care regularly.

So what is vital self-care? What exactly should we be doing?

“Exercise daily and eat healthy” is, of course, the most obvious answer. But have you ever asked yourself questions like these:

• Should I be exercising in the morning or in the evening?

• Should I be doing intermittent fasting?

• Is eating white meat good for me?

• When is the best time to go to sleep?

• How often should I be taking a break from work?

• Am I too stressed?

There are so many things to think about! As most of us are often pressed for time (and often lacking in motivation), the big question is what exactly should you be doing and when? It can be overwhelming.

So we need to remember that self-care is not about perfection. Self-care is about progress. You don’t need to get it 100% right. You just need to get it going.

Here are a few suggestions on how to improve your self-care today:

• Go for a short walk

• Think of three things you are grateful for

• Make yourself a green smoothie

• Sit up straight and engage your core

• Take five minutes to meditate

• Book onto a new yoga class.

Whichever you fancy, just do it. Don’t postpone it. Do it now.

It is as simple as that. Take a step in the right direction. One good habit at a time.

Remember, self-care is about making small steps. Small steps each day lead to big changes - and a stronger table, so that you can enjoy everything on it.

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

National Bed Month

By HELEN CONWAY

March is National Bed Month - the aim being, to encourage people to sleep better. Sleep is as essential for good health as food and water, allowing the body to rest and recover.

So, how can you improve your sleep patterns? There are some really simple ways of encouraging better sleep hygiene:

• Avoid heavy meals before bed. Give your body time to digest before sleep. Although opinion is divided about whether you should eat prior to retiring, too much food may just be uncomfortable, and if you suffer with reflux, it can be aggravated by lying down.

• Ensure your room is dark (black out blinds are great), and cool. About 15-19°C (60-67°F) is considered optimal.

• Reduce screen time before bed. Electronic devices can interfere with sleep by suppressing the production of melatonin, a natural hormone released in the evening to help you feel tired and ready for sleep.

• Whilst being active during the day is helpful, try to create a more relaxing run up to bedtime. This can include reading, yoga or Pilates, meditation and breathing practices.

Creating a relaxing practice before bed stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) - the rest and digest system.

One of the nerves affected when the PSNS is activated, is the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve helps control the heart, lungs, and digestion organs. Heart rate slows and blood pressure lowers. Humming, chanting, singing and yoga breathing practices can all activate the vagus nerve.

Here’s a breathing practice I particularly find useful:

The Waterfall Breath

• Breathe in through the nose

• Exhale through the mouth, and pause for a moment

• Exhale and pause for a moment

• Exhale and pause for a moment

• Exhale remaining breath

• Imagine you are dropping each bit of breath down a waterfall into a pool.

If you would like more advice, please get in touch. A good sleep routine will be different for everyone, I’m happy to help.

Sleep well.

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

The Gateway to Your Body's Health

By SATISH CHAPPITI, Arc Healthcare Dental Services

Did you know that your oral health offers clues about your overall health – or that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body? Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, and how you treat your teeth and gums can have lasting effects. Like other areas of your body, your mouth teems with bacteria and if these bacteria get into your blood stream, digestive or respiratory tracts then they can cause disease. Protect yourself by learning more about the connection between oral health and overall health. Normally the body’s natural defences and good oral health care keep bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections like:-

• Gingivitis, when bacteria infect your gums. It’s a mild early form of gum disease

• Periodontal disease is a gum infection that leads to inflamed gums and bone loss around teeth

• Tooth decay resulting in cavities in your teeth.

Bad oral health can cause medical problems and certain medical problems and medications can contribute to periodontal disease and tooth bone loss.

Medications like decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, diuretics and antidepressants, asthma inhalers, high blood pressure tablets

can all reduce salivary flow which is essential to wash away food and neutralise acids produced by bacteria in the mouth.

What can you do on your part?

Tell your dentist about medications you are on and changes in your overall health, especially if you have a chronic condition like diabetes.

My advice is:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, and I always recommend using an Oral-B electric toothbrush.

• Use dental tape which is waxed and flat and gets easily between teeth rather than the floss on a stick.

• Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash like Colgate Peroxyl, once a day.

• Plaque disclosing tablets like TEPE Plaque Reveal. They are an excellent teaching tool to improve your brushing technique.

• Regular dental check-ups, x-rays and hygiene appointments.

• Eat healthy, limiting sugary foods and drinks at snack times. Acid drinks and acidic fruits cause erosion of the enamel causing tooth wear.

• Avoid smoking and vaping. Studies have shown tobacco use to be one of the most significant risk factors in the cause and progression of periodontal disease and ultimately, in premature tooth loss.

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

Dates for your Diary

WED 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 MARCH

SUN 5, 12, 19, 26 MARCH

Marford Karate Club

Marford Community Centre, Pant Lane, Marford LL12 8SH

Come and learn traditional Shotokan style Karate. Adults & children welcome

6.30pm - 8pm (Wed)

10.30am - 12pm (Sun)

£4.00 child/£5.00 adult

Tel: 07708 404043 (Jeremy)

FRI 3 MARCH

Wrexham Birdwatchers

Gresford Trust Memorial Hall, off High Street, Gresford LL12 8PS

Wrexham Birdwatchers’ March meeting, a talk on ‘Gambian Experience’ by Paul Hill. All welcome.

7:30pm

Tel: 01978 855266 (Trevor)

SAT 4 MARCH

Bangor-on-Dee Art Group

Coffee Morning

Bangor-on-Dee Village Hall, Bangor-on-Dee, Wrexham LL13 0BY

Bangor-on-Dee Art Group invites you to a Coffee Morning. Artworks, cards and paintings will be on display. Plus a raffle, cake and book stalls. Come and relax and chat with friends.

10am - 12pm

£2.00 (incl refreshments)

SAT 4 MARCH

Overton WI - Annual Coffee Morning

Overton Village Hall, Pen-Y-Llan Street, Overton LL13 0EE

Overton WI invite you to their annual Coffee Morning. There will be lots of stalls and their famous bacon baps!

10am

me4oneill@gmail.com

EVERY SUNDAY

Model Railway Rides

Pant-yr-Ochain, Old Wrexham Road, Gresford LL12 8TY

Wrexham Model Engineers, adjacent to the Pant-YrOchain, is open to visitors every Sunday, weather permitting. A small snack bar is now open selling drinks and crisps.

12pm - 4pm

Free (donations welcome)

EVERY MONDAY

Walking Football for the over 60s

Colliers Park, Gresford, Wrexham LL12 8PW

Walking football is great for keeping active, getting fresh air and improving strength and flexibility.

4pm - 5pm

£3.00 per session

Tel: 07747 431607 (Ruth)

EVERY THURSDAY

Walking Netball

Rhosnesni High School, Rhosnesni Lane, Wrexham LL13 9ET

Walking Netball is a slower version of the game, designed so anyone can play regardless of age or fitness. Have some fun and make new friends! New members always welcome!

6pm

£3.50 per session

sheilageorge2@hotmail.com

WED 8 MARCH

Darland Divas WI

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

Come and meet women in your local area, to make friends and make a difference in your community. All welcome.

7:30pm

Tel: 07708 005361 (Linda)

SAT 11 MARCH

Soft Play

Eccleston Village Hall Church Road, Eccleston CH4 9HT

Soft play fun! Let your little ones be entertained whilst you catch up and meet new friends.

9:45am - 3:15pm

£17.00

http://bit.ly/3IH4NTE

SUN 12 MARCH

Chester 10k

Chester City Centre

The MBNA Chester 10K is the only city based 10K in Chester. Run for free if you can commit to raising a minimum of £200. Includes an Alder Hey running top. 8am start activeleisureevents.co.uk

WED 15 MARCH

Wrexham Flower Club

Capel Y Groes (Chapel Cross), 10 Stryt Holt, Wrexham LL12 7AG

Wrexham Flower Club meets every third Wednesday of the month. New members welcome as flower arranging speaks a universal language.

7pm

Tel: 01978 357356 (Judith)

WED 15 MARCH

Pulford & Poulton Local History Group

Pulford Village Hall, St Mary's Church, Pulford CH4 9EU

Monthly talks from guest speakers on a host of local history topics. In March come and listen to a talk on “Welsh Copper” by Rob Toomey

7:30pm (and 2pm Saturday)

£2.00 members/£3.00 non pplhg.org.uk

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.

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

SAT & SUN 18, 19 MARCH

Feed the Baby Lambs! The Bungalow, Darland Lane, Rossett LL12 0GA

Come and feed the baby lambs! Homemade cakes and refreshments available. All proceeds to Christ Church, Rossett.

10am - 12pm Free (donations welcome)

Tel: 01244 570242

21 - 25 MARCH

Play: The Anniversary

Grove Park Theatre, Hill Street, Wrexham LL11 1SN

An amateur production, The Anniversary, by Bill MacIlwraith

7:30pm

£5.00 child/£8.00 adult groveparktheatre.co.uk

THUR 23 MARCH

Holt Local History Society

Holt Community Centre, Chapel Street LL13 9DJ

An Illustrated talk on ‘Erddig’ by Jill Burton

7:30pm

£5.00 for visitors

Tel: 01829 270562 (Brian)

FRI 24 MARCH

From Here to Absurdity

Overton Village Hall, Pen-Y-Llan Street, Overton LL13 0EE

Overton Amateur Dramatic Society presents 90 minutes of original comedy sketches

8pm

£15.00 (incl. light supper) Corner Shop, Overton

WED 29 MARCH

Shopping & Lifestyle

Evening

Grosvenor Pulford Hotel, Pulford CH4 9DG

An evening of fabulous shopping. Stalls include clothing, jewellery, home accessories, gifts etc.

6pm - 9:30pm

£5.00 (cash only)

Tel: 07703 203684 (Lucy)

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

Get on the Right Track

By DELMAR WORLD in Gresford

Delmar World have two UK’s Premier Canada Specialists. Here, Ann talks about the various train journeys that can be added to a holiday itinerary, to give a different perspective.

Over the years, I have enjoyed a few train journeys in Canada. So much of the scenery is breathtakingly majestic, which is just as well, because, due to the sheer size of the country, many journeys can be up to four nights. Here are three of the most popular:

The Rocky Mountaineer is considered to be the most popular tourist train as its route and schedule is specifically designed for daylight viewing and the experience is spectacular. There are three routes between the Canadian Rockies and Vancouver and each one takes two or three days, depending on the route. Breakfast and lunch is served on the train but you don’t sleep on board; instead you stay in a hotel with free transfers. There are two classes - Silverleaf and Goldleaf Service. As you might expect, there is a difference in the comfort level (and price!) but both are excellent.

Many clients ask me about “the train that goes across Canada”. This is a VIA Rail service train called The Canadian.

Unlike the Rocky Mountaineer, this train travels overnight and has various class levels and sleeping accommodation, ranging from upper and lower berths with a privacy curtain to the high-end Prestige Sleeper Class with spacious cabins, private bathrooms, flat-screen TV and minibar. In this class, all meals, bar service and snacks are included.

The four-night journey between Toronto and Vancouver can be done in one trip or can be broken to include some of the towns along the way.

The Ocean Route which operates between Montreal and Halifax is an overnight scenic journey. If you travel in the Sleeper Plus class, you will have access to the Park Car: a carriage with a 180 degree glass dome allowing all round viewing. Once you are in The Maritimes - which comprises New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island - the area has a lot to offer and it is very easy to get around by car.

For more details contact Delmar World and Perfect Cruises 01978 853886.

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

Visitors to Wrexham will find an enhanced offering this year, as the new Visitor Information Centre on Chester Street has opened it's doors!

Formerly known as the 'Tourist Information Centre' and located on Queen’s Square from 1991 to 2020, the new Centre has triple the floorspace and an ethos centred around showcasing local food and drink produce and Welsh gifts, along with being a place to find out about events, attractions and things to see and do across the County.

Although already trading six days a week, from Monday to Saturday, the official opening took place on 1st March - just ahead of the traditional St. David's Day parade in the city centre.

Visitors to the city centre that day were encouraged to call in and meet some of the local producers on-site; ranging from artisan coffee roasters, through to fudge makers, a baker and many more!

Despite other similar centres closing across North Wales in recent years, having a Visitor Information Centre is seen as an important feature as Wrexham's tourism sector recovers from the pandemic and looks to keep growing.

With a new team in place, and headed up by experienced local retailer, Mick Pinder, the Centre aims to become the first point

of call for visitors to Wrexham over the coming years.

Having a bold, visible Centre located between two key attractions (Tŷ Pawb and Xplore!) is really important and shows our commitment to supporting not only the city centre but, the promotion of hospitality businesses and destination events across the whole County.

With thanks to support from Visit Wales, we were able to design the Centre to not only offer retail and information, but to also have flexible space for local food and drink traders to have pop-up trading space, tasting events and more. If it helps promote local tourism and showcase what a brilliant place Wrexham County is to visit and stay, we're up for working with businesses to try and make it happen.

Wrexham Visitor Information Centre is located on Chester Street (on the corner of the South Arcade leading into Tŷ Pawb), and opposite Xplore! Science Discovery Centre.

Opening times are: 9am - 5pm, Monday to Saturday.

Official websites for visitors to the area are: This is Wrexham: www.thisiswrexham.co.uk

North East Wales: www.northeastwales.wales

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

A Lovely Home Away-From-Home

By JIMMI HILL, Coxwood Farm Holiday Cottages and Caravan Park

In 2018 Coxwood Farm Holiday Cottages started a new chapter, when we (the Hill family) took over sole ownership. We’re a local family, moving from the nearby village of Dodleston, onto the farm after renovating the farmhouse.

The farm is made up of agricultural buildings and grazing land, as farming still makes up a large part of family life. We also have three lovely holiday cottages set within the heart of the farm. Tucked away around the back of the farm is our small peaceful caravan park and campsite suitable for five caravans with hard standings, electric hook-ups and a toilet and shower block.

The cottages individually named the Hen, Barn and Dairy are well established, having welcomed guests now for over 15 years. Each cottage is large and spacious, perfect for families and friends. We have tried to keep the theme of a home-from-home for anyone visiting us. The cottages are rented on a weekly basis, and we will try and accommodate requests for both short and longer stays where possible - there’s no harm in asking!

Our largest cottage is the Dairy, with a large lounge and kitchen and two twin bedrooms, a bathroom, and a double room with an en-suite. The Hen is made up of a large lounge/dining room, a large twin room, a smaller room with a bunk bed, a bathroom, and a double room with an en-suite.

The Barn cottage has just undergone a renovation to incorporate a downstairs bedroom with an adjoining wet room to make it suitable for wheelchairs and individuals with mobility issues. It has a large lounge area, and a brand-new kitchen, and upstairs has a double bedroom and twin bedroom split by a bathroom. The cottages are fully furnished, including a smart tv and all the appliances and utensils we think you would need to make your stay comfortable and relaxing.

Outside there is a large lawned area including benches, a football goal, a trampoline, a climbing frame with swings/slide and a play barn containing a pool table, table football, table tennis and an area for younger children. Check out our website for more details & images www.coxwoodfarm.co.uk

The cottages and caravan park are run by our family for your family and friends, and we aim to make everyone feel very welcome. We love living in the area and hope we can help welcome your friends and family too.

By Jimmi Hill of Coxwood Farm Cottages, Cox Lane, Rossett, Wrexham LL12 0BG T.01978 856766 www.coxwoodfarm.co.uk

Don’t forget, EssentialsMAG readers enjoy a 10% discount when booking

Looking After Your Garden Equipment

By ANDY CUSHLEY, Chester Small Plant Garden Machinery

Spring is all about growth, and gardeners are the first to notice the change in the season. Flowers, grass and hedges all seem to grow at a considerable rate once the weather warms up. It doesn’t matter if you are a professional landscaper or only have a small patch of greenery, there are a few things you should check before you dust off the lawnmower, hedge trimmer and hand tools.

Think of your mower in the same way you would any vehicle; a small repair will prevent bigger problems and major expense later. These tools are an investment that need care and maintenance. Using a certified servicing provider will save you time, or prevent a serious injury.

In terms of safety, accidents are more likely to happen if equipment is defective. Only use equipment as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. Improper use may lead to damage to you or the machinery.

Power tools should have their electrical cords checked, in case of corrosion or rodent damage, if stored in an outdoor shed. Chainsaws should be inspected for any missing or worn teeth, and any tools with blades should be sharpened and oiled. Always use the correct oil or lubricant for each tool, as recommended by the manufacturer.

Whether your mower is a manual push mower, a hover, or a ride-on vehicle, you should inspect the filters, spark plugs and cables for any wear and tear. Also check your strimmer cord, spool and blades before use.

Make sure you flush out any old fuel before you get started this season, then fill it back up with fresh fuel. For two-stroke machines, mix a fresh batch of fuel-to-oil in a ratio of 50:1.

Remember – fresh fuel only stays fresh for approximately a month, then it starts to degrade without any fuel stabiliser.

As well as preventing any excessive expense, repair is better for the environment. If your equipment has been bought under warranty, regular maintenance by a professional will be needed to keep within the terms of any warranty agreement. Keep all service receipts to ensure you have full coverage. Machinery and tools that are appropriately taken care of will save you money, time and help the planet.

For information on repairs, sales and service of lawn mowers and garden machinery, please get in touch.

By Andy Cushley from Chester Small Plant Garden Machinery Tel: 01244 674447 www.chestersmallplant.co.uk

BRHS - Burton Rossett Horticultural Society Gardening News

By EssentialsMAG gardening contributor CAROL EDWARDS

March is the start of Spring and we can begin to work in our gardens, at last. It seems to have been a long winter! There is now lots to be done and we can finally think about sowing and growing.

To start with, the garden paths need to be cleared of weeds and grass, and resurfaced, which will help when the plants begin to grow. Your beds need to be fed as well. If there is no frost or waterlogged ground, dig in a layer of compost or well rotted manure to prepare for the growing season. You can also add pelleted chicken manure.

You can make a start putting in your plant supports, which will be easier while they are small and will look much better when they start to get bigger. Trees and shrubs can be fed now - use a slow release fertiliser by lightly forking this in. Mahonia can have the top rosette of leaves removed to encourage branching.

You need to watch out for slugs as the weather improves and it becomes warmer. To protect the wildlife try not to use slug pellets. I have used Nematodes in the past and find them very good.

You can continue dead heading winter flowering Pansies as well.

In the veg garden, green manure can be dug in while the stems are soft. This refers to a crop you have grown for this purpose. Cover the prepared soil with black plastic to keep it drier and warm before planting.

In the fruit garden, autumn fruiting raspberry canes can be cut to the ground to stimulate new canes. I look forward to these fruiting later in the year.

Lawn edges can be cut too if needed, and on a dry day it can be mowed. Remember to set the blades higher though.

Start ventilating greenhouses and cold frames on warm sunny days. Consider painting your garden bench a different colour to brighten up the garden on a dull day.

It will soon be possible to sit out and enjoy the garden so we can look forward to that.

Local Birds and Wildlife News

By REVEREND HUGH LINN

At the end of January, with the help of thousands of volunteers, the RSPB carried out its annual Big Garden Birdwatch. This was the 43rd year for what is the world's biggest garden wildlife survey and was contributed to by observations from gardens throughout the British Isles. I have been taking part now for seven years. My garden list has shown little species variation during that time. The survey is restricted to only one hour during the winter, so summer visitors and migrants are ruled out. Unsurprisingly, the House Sparrow again came out top of the national list as our most common garden bird. Finches, which have been consistently regular in recent years in my garden, amounted to only one female Chaffinch, which popped in for a couple of minutes just before my hour ran out. In previous years, Greenfinches and Goldfinches have been daily visitors throughout the winter months. Unfortunately, these attractive little birds have been drastically reduced in numbers by trichomoniasis (a lethal parasitic infection) and are now on the Red List of Endangered Species.

March is a month for widespread bird movements. Our winter visitors, such as geese, swans, a variety of water birds and a number of garden visitors such as Blackcaps will be leaving. Fieldfares and Redwings (members of the thrush family) travel in flocks while returning to their northern breeding grounds. Passage migrants, such as Northern Wheatears which, like Whooper Swans, nest as far away as Iceland, can be found on passage

throughout the British Isles. Their name actually is connected with neither wheat nor ears. Apparently it is derived from Anglo-Saxon and means “white arse”. (Apologies for mentioning that!) This feature is shown in part under the folded wings on the female Wheatear in the accompanying photograph. Chiffchaffs (named more politely after their song) will be heard any day now and soon we can expect to see Sand Martins and Swallows hawking for insects over Gresford Flash.

Wrexham Birdwatchers

Friday 3rd March 7.30pm at Gresford Memorial Hall. Talk entitled "Gambian Experience", by Paul Hill.

Sunday 19th March Outdoor Meeting to Marbury Park (Meet Gresford Lake Car Park 9.30am)

HOUSE SPARROW

WHEATEAR

It’s all About Balance

By PHIL CABRAL from Natural Balance

Clients come to see us at because they are in pain. If pain occurs for a reason, then generally we all understand what to do and why. We can manage it appropriately.

If pain occurs but there is no obvious reason, then we can all struggle to understand what to do and how to do. That’s often when we, as physiotherapists and podiatrists at Natural Balance, can be most helpful.

If the pain is not from an injury, illness, medical condition or some other diagnosed problem, we often find it is because the person is ‘out of balance’ in some way. One or more of their ‘symptoms’ is not working efficiently or effectively.

Our first goal is to help people get back into balance by managing the local tissue problem and rebalancing the systemwhether it’s the muscular, nervous or skeletal systems. Here’s the first key point. None of these systems works in isolation.

The muscles can’t function without the heart and vascular systems pushing blood, oxygen and nutrients around the body. The body can’t get oxygen if the lungs and breathing systems don’t inhale and exhale effectively. Nutrients can’t enter and exit the body if we don’t eat healthily, and our digestive systems can’t extract what we need to enable our tissues and systems to

function effectively. All these processes rely on the kidneys, liver, intestines, etc working efficiently. None of these organs and systems work together if our brains do not coordinate everything.

Our challenge is not just to identify the faulty tissue. Many practitioners can do that. Our second most vital key point is to adopt a systems approach to get everything working together better.

Our final key point is that no one in the world knows what you are TRULY capable of achieving. Our belief is that everyone has the potential to be better than they are right now, irrespective of their age, ability, gender, ethnicity, status, educational background, financial position, religious beliefs, personal circumstances and/or starting point. We aim to help you - and as many people as possible - live healthy, active, fulfilling lives.

Our understanding is that most people want to live better lives for many reasons, but they don't know that it is possible and/or how to bring it about. We can show you what is possible and bring about the changes by showing you what and how to do, and supporting you through the Natural Balance change process.

by Phil Cabral at Natural Balance Physiotherapy & Sports Injury

Tel: 01244 639898

E: lorna@natbalance.co.uk

www.natbalance.co.uk

Facebook: @philthephysio

Hope and New Beginnings’

By EMMA GOUGH, Mindkey Therapy

Hello, I’m Emma, a Psychotherapist accredited with the BABCP. I have developed my interest and career in mental health for over 15 years, working in local authority settings, community mental health teams, CAMHS, and most recently in the NHS as a Psychotherapist. I work with individuals (18 years and over) who are experiencing psychological distress as a result of trauma and adversity. I also treat anxiety, overthinking and depression.

MindKey Therapy offers a range of NICE recommended, evidence-based psychological interventions from CBT, Trauma-Focussed CBT, Narrative Exposure Therapy and EMDR. Many people who experience a traumatic event recover in time, often with different perspectives on life. Other people may develop difficulties such as phobias, social withdrawal and isolation, have difficulty interacting with others or develop anxiety and depression.

Do you experience any of the following:

• Feeling emotionally numb and detached?

• Overwhelmed with emotion?

• Feeling panicky?

• Negative thoughts about yourself, other people or the world?

• Difficulty sleeping and/or concentrating?

• Feeling on edge all the time, on guard, jumpy or easily startled?

• Low in mood and/or anxious?

• Spending your time living in the past or future, not able to enjoy the present moment?

• Feeling worthless or a failure or not good enough?

• Unable to feel close to others?

• Anger, guilt, shame, fear?

• Re-experiencing a traumatic event also known as ‘flashbacks’?

• Avoiding things that remind you of traumatic events, like people or places?

There are many situations that can lead to symptoms of what we call trauma or PTSD:

• Childhood abuse

• Trauma in childhood as a result of absence of care and protection

• Bullying

• Domestic abuse/violence

• Serious Physical injury

• Assault

• Road traffic accidents

• Death or threat to life

• War/torture

• Natural disaster

• Admission to intensive care

• Loss.

Working compassionately and sensitively, MindKey Therapy can help you develop skills and coping strategies to overcome psychological distress, reducing symptoms, giving you control over memories and emotions, empowering you to have more control over your life, working towards the goals you want to achieve.

If you feel ready to take the first step, let me help you to take the next.

By Emma Gough from Mindkey Therapy Tel: 07487 373628 emma@mindkeytherapy.co.uk

Networking for Business

Business networking is the process of establishing a mutually beneficial relationship with other business people. The primary purpose of business networking is to tell others about your business and hopefully, turn them into customers. But, let’s be honest - to most people, the idea of introducing yourself to strangers isn’t all that appealing. So, unless you’re a social butterfly, you may find it hard to push yourself to try business networking.

The thing is, though, networking is actually extremely beneficial for your business. You get to share ideas with other professionals, and even develop new skills. Networking becomes really effective when strong longterm relationships are built through trust and mutual respect.

For a start-up or small business at any stage, networking can provide a lifeline of support, solutions to problems and lead to new business opportunities.

Business 2 Go is a small, friendly, business networking group, who meet every fortnight, on Thursday mornings, at the Rossett Hall Hotel near Wrexham.

Our meetings are relaxed and informal, and we provide a very warm welcome to any visitors who may wish to join us. Starting at 6.45am (so we can start and finish on time and get on with the working day at 8:30am), we begin with a welcome, open networking and coffee - then we enjoy a top-class buffet cooked breakfast!

Try for yourself

The best way to see if Business 2 Go is the right networking group for you is to come along and try for yourself. You are most welcome to join us as our guest - and you may even pick up some quality business referrals whilst you're there.

To come along to our next meeting, please complete the form on our website: business2go.org.uk

Business 2 Go is a small, friendly networking group, who meet every fortnight, on Thursday mornings, at the Rossett Hall Hotel.

Visitors are always welcome!

To attend a meeting to see how networking can benefit your business, please contact Mike Shiels on: 07967 018275

mike@claymorebm.co.uk business2go.org.uk

Wild Garlic & Nettle Soup

Forage for some fresh spring greens and simmer with finely diced vegetables to make this vibrant, healthy, low-fat green soup.

SERVES 4-6

INGREDIENTS

1 tbsp rapeseed oil

25g butter

1 onion, finely diced

1 leek, finely diced

2 celery sticks, thinly sliced

1 carrot, finely diced

1 small potato, peeled and diced

1.2l good-quality vegetable stock

300g young nettle leaves

200g wild garlic leaves

3 tbsp milk

METHOD

Heat the oil and butter in a large saucepan. Add the onion, leek, celery, carrot, potato and a good pinch of salt, and stir until everything is well coated. Cover and sweat gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring every so often to make sure that the vegetables don’t catch on the bottom of the pan.

Pour in the stock and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the nettles in several batches, stirring, then add the wild garlic leaves and simmer for 2 minutes.

Remove from the heat and blend using a stick blender or tip into a blender.

Return to the heat and stir through the milk, then taste for seasoning.

Ladle into bowls and drizzle over a little extra oil, then top with a few wild garlic flowers, if you have them.

Seasonal Treats in March

With the clocks going forward, blossom budding and the days noticeably longer, spring is most definitely in the air this month – and there are some new tasty ingredients around, too.

Purple sprouting broccoli

Home-grown purple-sprouting broccoli is only available between February and March, and its emergence signals the start of a seasonal shift away from roots to leafy spring ingredients. Related to calabrese, large-headed broccoli, is sometimes compared to asparagus for its fleeting appearance and delicate flavour. It’s bursting with nutrients, including vitamins

A, C and K, and only needs the briefest of cooking. Keep it simple by steaming or stir-frying for a couple of minutes until still tender, or try it tossed in olive oil, seasoned and roasted until slightly charred.

Lemon sole

With a delicate flavour and tender, juicy meat, lemon sole is a type of right-eyed flatfish and a member of the plaice family rather than a true sole. Bang in season in March, with most coming from the waters off the southwest of England, it’s perfect for oven-baking or roasting, grilling or frying – one per person makes a great meal. You’ll get more flavour if you leave the bones in, but it’s still delicious cooked as fillets.

Try it coated in seasoned plain flour, cooked in a hot pan in olive oil and a dab of butter – fry skin-side down for two minutes, then flip over and cook for another one to two minutes, before serving drizzled with the pan juices.

Wild things

Wild garlic

Wild garlic grows in vast clumps across damp woodland floors and is easily recognisable from its familiar garlicky aroma. The entire plant is edible, including the pretty white flowers which grow from April to June. Prep is easy: give it a good rinse, pat dry then store in the fridge for up to five days. Use chopped towards the end of cooking time in a casserole or risotto, as a topping for a pasta dish or to pep up a salad – it’s far less pungent than bulb garlic, so it won’t overpower your meal.

Nettles

March is also a great time of year to try nettles, which taste similar to spinach and are equally as nutritious, packed with B vitamins, beta-carotene, calcium and iron. Choose short, bright green shoots and pick, wearing thick gardening gloves, then wash and blanch to neutralise the stings, before using raw, stir-fried or steamed – or even to make pesto!

March Shopping List

Beetroot, Broccoli, Carrots, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Chard, Cod, Endive, Hake, Jerusalem Artichoke, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Parsnips, Pollock, Pumpkins, Purple-sprouting broccoli, Radishes, Forced rhubarb, Shallots, Spring greens, Spring onions, Swedes, Turnips, Venison.

Food Cupboard for Rossett

By CLAIRE MARSHALL

My name is Claire, and together with my husband Paul, and a team of volunteers, we set up the Rossett Community Food Cupboard to help the local community in the villages of Rossett, Burton and Pulford.

Situated on Darland View in Rossett (LL12 0EH), our aim is to help as many individuals, families and the elderly as possible by supplying free food and other non-perishable items. The cupboard is stocked daily with tins, dried foods and toiletries. Plus, a few nights a week, we do various fresh food collections from supermarkets - food that would go to landfill. We do food boxes on request too.

Unfortunately, we can't offer delivery to everyone, but we do make an exception for the elderly and disabled who are unable to get to the cupboard. To anyone wishing to give donations, we have a black box outside the cupboard for you to place the items in. Donation points will be in various other locations soon too.

We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of people in our community. St. Peter's School parents and local businesses have made huge donations of food and money to keep the cupboard stocked. A huge thank you to you all, as we couldn't have got this far without your kindness, generosity and support.

Cupboard opening times:

Monday: 9:30am - 7:00pm

Tuesday: 9:30am - 11:00pm

Wednesday: 9:00am - 7:00pm

Thursday - Saturday: 9:30am - 11:00pm

Friday: 9:00am - 7:00pm

We have a Facebook page: @The-FoodCupboard-For-Rossett and a WhatsApp group, the number is: 07392 298239.

There are no questions asked and no referrals needed - just please come and help yourself to whatever you need.

All Saints’ School

St. Peter’s School

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

Our school vision, 'With respect, friendship and care, we learn here and succeed anywhere', epitomises everything we do and everything we want our pupils to become. Our school is at the fore of work to develop a curriculum centred on excellence for all pupils.

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

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

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

Come and explore our school!

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

stpeters-pri.wrexham.sch.uk

St-Peters-Primary-School-Rossett

ysgol gynradd holt

@stpetersrossett

Holt Community Primary School is a small friendly school for children aged 3 to 11. To make an appointment to our Open Day call: 01829 270021, or e-mail: mailbox@holt-pri.wrexham.sch.uk

Visit our website: www.holtcpschool.com

Erddig Nordic Walkers

By GARETH LLOYD, from ENW

Erddig Nordic Walkers (ENW) continues to go from strength to strength. The Nordic Walking group which is associated with Erddig as its base, walks three times a week in the local area. Taking in some fantastic views, locations and well-known local landmarks, the group has walks for all ages and abilities.

Why Nordic Walking?

Nordic Walking is an effective form of exercise and provides an excellent opportunity for social interaction to meet and make new friends. It is a great way to keep fit and enjoy being outdoors. Erddig

Nordic Walkers encourages individual wellbeing and mindfulness within a caring and safe environment. All walks are risk assessed, with trained first aiders and all walks are led by trained leaders - so, all you need to do is turn up and enjoy!

There is a technique to Nordic Walking and some specialist equipment is required, namely the poles. Do not despair, on the first Saturday of every month we hold a new member training session at Erddig. During the session our qualified Instructors will introduce you to the technique and all the benefits of Nordic walking and the group itself. We provide all equipment that you will require and you may borrow poles for up to six sessions for free.

We have seven fully trained Instructors and a further 15 trained Leaders so you will always be looked after when with the group.

We walk on the following days and times:

Monday: 9:30am for 10:00am

Wednesday: 12:30pm for 1:00pm

Saturday: 9:30pm for 10:00am

We hold regular new member welcome sessions where full instruction is given and all equipment is provided (new members need to wear suitable walking footwear and bring waterproofs in case of rain).

How much will this cost?

We are a ‘not for profit’ organisation run by volunteers. We ask for a voluntary contribution of £1 per person per walk and this is used towards purchase of equipment, subsidy for coach travel, training for Leaders and members and charitable donations. You just need to pay for your own drinks/snacks post walk!

We publish a quarterly calendar with full details of all our regular walks and some of our ‘Away Day’ walks are very popular too. We also organise excellent social activities, such as quiz nights and other celebratory activities, for example St. David’s Day, Halloween and a Summer Picnic.

Get in touch

If you want to get involved in a healthy, fun activity with a lively group of friendly people contact: Gareth Lloyd on Tel: 01978 840671

www.erddignordicwalkers.co.uk

Sarah Atherton MP Member of Parliament for Wrexham

In UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) news, Wrexham Council’s application process for the first round of £250,000 grants closed on the 24th February. Wrexham Council confirmed that some of the £22.4 million from the UKSPF will be spent on these smaller £250,000 key fund grants, which many individuals, businesses, and charities have applied for. I look forward to working with the Council to ensure that the remainder of the funding is spent on tangible improvements in Wrexham. Up-to-date information outlining the next steps on UKSPF funding can be found on my website.

Last month, we honoured Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. In Parliament, I attended Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust’s event, learning about their latest campaign which is calling for action to eliminate cervical cancer in the UK. Whilst I hope we achieve this goal very soon, looking at the broader picture of waiting times for cancer treatment in Wales at the hands of the Welsh Labour Government, I have concerns. Considerably low uptake of the HPV vaccine, coupled with the Welsh Government’s policy of five-year waits between screening tests actively creates an environment where some women may be missed out or left behind. Sadly, a situation just like this was brought to my attention by a constituent.

A few days after I wrote to the Minister for Health and Social Services, Eluned Morgan, outlining these concerns, the Welsh Government alongside the Wales Cancer Network launched their three-year improvement plan. This plan focuses on preventing cancer, diagnosing it earlier, and treating patients with the most effective treatments. Whilst taken at face value, this shows the Welsh Government - at long last - taking a step in the right direction to give

patients in Wales the access to treatment and level of care that they deserve. Having said that, the reality of the Welsh Government’s management of the NHS in Wales is constantly falling short.

In the Chamber last month, I asked the Health Secretary, Steve Barclay MP, if he agreed that the Welsh Government should put its hand in its pocket and fund a brand-new hospital in Wrexham, since the Maelor Hospital is no longer fit for a modern expanding city. The key here is that the Welsh Government has funding available and can choose when and how to spend this money. The UK Government gives the Welsh Government £18bn annually to fund services in Wales, which is 20% more than England gets. In fact, this year the Chancellor committed an extra £1.2bn. This is the biggest funding settlement since devolution began in Wales.

If you have not done so already, I would encourage you to sign my health campaign to ensure that the Welsh Government hears our message loud and clear, Wrexham deserves better. To do so, head over to my website.

As always, if you are a resident in Wrexham and need my assistance with any local or national issues, please contact me.

Alyn Family Doctors Latest News

What is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner?

Increasingly, you may see an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) in the practice, or be treated by one when you attend the hospital. 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 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?

• Advanced Nurse Practitioners 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

I was pleased to welcome the Welsh Government Minister for Social Justice, Jane Hutt MS, to The Yellow and Blue Hub (YaB).

Located in the heart of Wrexham on Henblas Street, YaB was founded by the inspirational Pete Humphreys in memory of his late father. The non-profit social enterprise primarily offers support to some of the most vulnerable members of society.

In a relatively short amount of time, YaB has become a bustling community hub. It provided a safe, warm and friendly environment during the festive period when many other buildings and services were closed.

To help ensure YaB can continue to provide support to those who need it, the organisation was recently allocated £10,000 by Wrexham Council – funding that had been passed on to the Local Authority by the Welsh Government to address the cost-of-living crisis.

I invited the Minister to Yellow and Blue and it was good to highlight all the invaluable work the organisation does for the Wrexham community. The meeting was extremely useful and I hope there will be further funding opportunities open to YaB in future.

The Minister and I joined almost 100 Wrexham residents and representatives at the Holocaust Memorial Day event in Ty Pawb, hosted by the Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham (AVOW).

Hate and prejudice are not issues confined to the past. Ensuring the innocent victims of the Holocaust are never forgotten allows us to learn vital lessons from history and hopefully inspire a better future.

I also recently took part in a brand new live show and podcast that celebrates Wrexham’s culture. ‘Live in the Window’ takes place in the city centre every other Friday and features guests, challenges and discussions all related to Wrexham.

The show and podcast is hosted by 73 Degree Films and is supported by Wrexham Council via the Cultural Commissions for Wrexham 2029.

It was great to chat all things Wrexham with Rob, James and Owen and you can listen back online.

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.

The day the Minister for Social Justice visited Wrexham coincided with Holocaust Memorial Day, a national commemoration where we remember the victims and survivors who suffered under Nazi persecution, as well as other genocides throughout the world. Tel:

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.

with Hadlow Edwards

Five Tax-Savvy Tips

Whether you’re starting out, retired or somewhere in between, here are five tax-savvy tips that can make your money work harder…

Gift your child up to £5k on their wedding day and top that up by a further £3k – your annual gifting allowance – and it won’t be included in the value of your estate for Inheritance Tax purposes.

These allowances are per person, which means a couple could potentially give their child £16k tax free as a wedding present.

Put money into your pension and receive tax relief at the highest rate of Income Tax you pay. For example, higher-rate tax payers get 40% relief on eligible pension contributions, which means it effectively costs them only £600 to invest £1k.

Please note that anything over the basic rate of tax must be claimed via your tax return and this assumes that the additional tax relief reclaimed is invested into the pension.

Boost your pension contributions if your salary breaches £100k. Increasing your contributions will bring your taxable income down and help to restore your personal allowance, which reduces by £1 for every £2 you earn above that amount. So you won’t end up paying an effective 60% Income Tax.

Save money into an ISA if you’re investing for the longer term. All money held in ISAs is free of further liability to Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax. And, assuming a consistent growth rate of 2.4% per annum, just £250 a month paid into a Stocks & Shares ISA could net you £16k over five years.1

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

Be mindful of the reduction in dividend allowance. Put any dividends earned outside a tax wrapper into a Stocks and Shares ISA – and avoid paying any Income or Capital Gains Tax on any capital in your ISA or the income it generates. This is because the allowance is reducing from £2k to £1k from 6 April 2023 and then to £500 from 6 April 2024 for individuals who receive dividend income.

If you would like to know more about ways you could make your money work harder for you, please feel free to get in touch.

1.This figure is only an example and is not guaranteed - it is not minimum or maximum amounts. What you will get back depends on how your investment grows and on the tax treatment of the investment. You could get back more or less than this.

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested.

The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time. Tax relief is dependent on individual circumstances.

A stocks and Shares ISA will not provide the security of a Cash ISA.

The favourable tax treatment given to ISAs may not be maintained in the future subject to changes in legislation.

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.

Being a Positive Influence

By EssentialsMAG environment contributor ROB RENOUF

Alongside changes we can make as individuals, or joining groups and campaigns, we potentially have opportunities to influence the behaviour of businesses and politicians.

Businesses

Consuming less is one of the simplest and most effective things we can do for the environment. We’re very unlikely to reduce our consumption to zero, so minimising the amount we consume and reducing the environmental impact of whatever remains is a more realistic goal.

Where we do need to make purchases, we can still have a positive influence if we support businesses operating in a more sustainable and ethical way, and boycott those that aren’t. This involves being well informed, so we can avoid being fooled by “greenwashing” (misrepresentation of companies being more environmentally friendly than they actually are).

Here’s a reminder of some things to consider when making purchasing decisions:

• Production - what resources went into the product? (materials and energy/water/land use)

• Energy - how much energy will it use? (where applicable)

• Packaging - buy products with less packaging, or where this isn’t possible, more environmentally friendly packaging (buying local can help reduce the need for packaging)

• Disposal - can the product be easily recycled at the end of its lifespan?

• Quality - well-made products that last longer and are repairable are better for the environment; even if they cost more initially, they can save money in the longer term

• Transport - buying local products is a win/win; it reduces transportation and benefits the local economy (yet another reason for drinking Wrexham Lager!)

Politicians

Elections are the obvious opportunity for us to choose politicians who are willing to take action on environmental issues. However, this doesn’t mean there’s nothing we can do to influence them between elections. A major factor in most politicians’ decision-making is likely to be ‘how will this affect my chances of reelection?’. If they believe that what they do (or don’t do) in relation to the environment will determine how you vote at the next election, they’re far more likely to take action today. So if we want them to act, we need to make them believe that this is an issue that is going to determine how we vote. The easiest way to do this is via email, but we can also write a letter or attend a surgery - if we’re aiming to influence politicians, we just need to ensure they receive the message loud and clear.

EssentialsMAG environment contributor is Rob Renouf

robsrenouf@gmail.com

Why Running is My Therapy

By HELEN RYVAR

Hi, I’m Helen Ryvar, a 42 year-old, single mum to three children, from Llay. Just before lockdown I lost my ex-husband. Having previously suffered from anxiety and depression, I knew his death could be detrimental to my health. We had a difficult relationship, but I knew his passing was going to affect myself, and our three children, for the rest of our lives.

So, for therapy, I decided to start running as this was one of the few things I could do!

I started by running or walking every day, and it helped so much that I kept on doing it. I soon realised I was able to easily run for two hours, so I challenged myself to a 28-day streak of half marathons.

I achieved this and felt so good that I pushed the bar and decided to try and set a new World Record! In 2021, I went on to run 111 consecutive half marathons in 111 consecutive days and I am now the current Guinness World Record holder!

Last year, I seemed to be drifting with no clear goals, so I started to run again, and was challenged by an American, called Mika Shevit, to streak again with him. So I ran with an initial goal of 150 half marathons, to raise funds for the charity, Mind.

This second streak was much more pleasant than the first, as my mind was stronger and I knew what to expect. I reached 150 and decided I wasn’t done. So I went on to run to 200, then 222 to double my current record.

I’m now on my way to running to 333 to triple my record!

I’ve run some official races during this streak, to include the Helsby 4 Villages Half, the Miami Half, the Wrexham Half and yet to come, the Lake Garda Half. I hope to run as many official halves as I can.

During the week I run at 4am so that I can fit it in before work, and looking after my children. On the weekend I am able to run further afield, run with people and run races to keep things exciting. For me, this streak is all about the adventure, enjoying what I do, and making friends and memories along the way.

It keeps my mind and body fit, healthy and focussed. I hope to encourage more people to streak with me over the coming weeks, and raise as much money as I can for the charity, Mind, along the way.

If you would like to follow Helen’s progress visit her Facebook page @helenryvar

To make a donation to Helen’s Justgiving page: www.justgiving.com/Helen-Ryvar1

Whether you’re looking for a quick repair for some cracks, or a total redecoration complete with floor screeding, existing render removal and coving, you won’t find better than J P Plastering.

Hugh Jones & Ross Shepherd Councillors for Rossett

A483 roadworks

Following the debacle on day one of the works, Hugh summoned North East Wales Trunk Road Agency (NEWTRA) to a meeting. Following which, changes were made to the programme to significantly reduce the overnight closures and to improve the signage. In addition, temporary traffic lights were installed in the village to facilitate safe crossing to Darland School from the bus stop. The reason that there are no signs Northbound on the A483, to tell drivers that the Rossett off-slip is closed, is to reduce the number of vehicles through the villages. Local residents will have been informed of the closures and can take alternative routes.

NEWTRA were subsequently made to remove the containers and equipment dumped at the Burton hammer-head. Regular meetings will be held, to brief the local councillors for Rossett, Marford and Gresford. The Welsh Government, who own the road, have agreed to a review of the whole project and the incompetent manner of its introduction.

Refuge collections

A number of residents have contacted us about missed bin collections. The best way to report this is through the Wrexham County Borough website ‘missed bin’ portal. This will ensure any missed refuge is collected promptly.

Road maintenance

Street Scene services are working to full capacity ensuring as many pot holes/areas of concern are rectified as soon as possible throughout the borough.

If you have reported an issue please be patient as the team will address the problem in due course.

Traffic orders

Shortly, we will both be meeting officers to discuss and review the traffic order at ‘The Green’. Any proposals put forward will be subject to public consultation, enabling residents to be aware of any developments. We will also be meeting to discuss the results of the recent speed monitoring that took place on Chester Road, Burton Road and Croeshowell B5102.

The next speed monitoring programme will take place in Trevalyn. In addition, WCBC is currently in the process of considering the significant implications of the Welsh Government plan to introduce 20 mph limits in most 30 mph locations.

Darland School playing fields

The Local Authority will be carrying out remedial works to install new fencing around the perimeter of the playing fields of the school. This has been sanctioned to protect staff and pupils from irresponsible dog owners and will allow the space to be used safely for sporting activities.

Hugh: Tel: 07769 706999

hugh.jones@wrexham.gov.uk

Ross: Tel: 07715 473776 ross.shepherd@wrexham.gov.uk

Beryl Blackmore Councillor for Marford & Hoseley

Spring is bursting-out all over, and I have a spring in my step! The Hedges have been given a super haircut along the Rofft School footpath, and Marford Park has had a major tidy up.

I hope other areas have been trimmedI know you will let me know if they haven't.

A big thank you to Jason and his team from WCBC who were on the job within a fortnight of walking the area with me.

Hopefully Gresford Community Council will be able to complete signing the lease, which will mean they will look after it, so we are sure of a tidy park, again.

It has taken too long to repair the Zip Wire in the park, but I hope, by the time you read this, it would have been fixed, ready for February half term week.

I have had calls from residents relating to Everlast Gym closing at Plas Coch in Wrexham and M&S Food moving in. All I can say is, had the Council turned down the offer from M&S to relocate to Plas Coch, they would have left altogether. Some will be pleased about the move, others, of course, upset to lose the gym.

However, we do have Waterworld Leisure and Activity Centre in Wrexham. I confess, I haven't been there for a while, and residents tell me it’s cold, unclean and not so friendly for those with a disability. I will ask questions at the Council, as we need to have a swimming pool and activity centre locally, which is suitable and pleasant to visit.

I mentioned last month, I am arranging a meeting with the Governors at The Rofft School regarding safety. I am pleased to say I will be meeting them within the coming weeks, hopefully to see improvements starting at the Zebra Crossing.

That's it for this month. Enjoy the sudden bursts of crocus, snowdrops and the sun coming out - as we sure do need some brighter days!

Spring is just around the corner! We are already three months into 2023 - what a busy month February turned out to be! As always, my inbox has seen the wide range of issues that crop-up for residents from time-to-time, but, I also had a large amount regarding the A483, which I have covered below.

No issue is too much hassle so if you have any issues that you wish to raise, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Streetscene

We have a new Streetscene Supervisor and I have spent some time with him on a “Village Walkabout” where we have discussed various issues around the village; from overgrown hedges, poorly maintained footpaths, broken signage and flooding. We had a positive discussion around the work that is needed in the village and we will work together to ensure that these items are addressed as soon as possible. If there is an issue that you think needs looking at then please do email me with the details.

Corner plot

I hope that you will have noticed that the landowner has cleared up this site quite significantly over recent weeks/months and I must thank them for working with the council to improve this area following my requests to officers. Whilst we would all like to see the site brought into use, I will be mindful what I say further than that, as this is a private matter, and for now, leave it there.

Newsagents layby

There is now a time limit on parking in the layby in front of the newsagents and pharmacy on Chester Road. An hour should be plenty of time for anyone using any of the businesses located there.

So please don’t get caught out and overstay, as we have enforcement officers that are out and about.

A483 resurfacing

There is much that can be said around the resurfacing works, but I am mindful that I only get one page in EssentialsMAG, and I am sure between reading the reports from the Councillors for Marford and Rossett, they too, have something to say about this!

Whilst I was grateful for the work to repaint the centre road markings, this was minor compared to the huge amount of disruption caused on day one of the programme by the bypass being closed until around 3pm! To make matters worse, they closed the road that night with no communication, add to that the train fire, I am sure you can understand, it was a very busy few days for me raising the concerns to the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency, who are responsible to the Welsh Government for the works. Thankfully, at the time of writing, there have been only very few small issues since. But colleagues, Officers and I, are all keeping a close eye on the situation.

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

Jeremy Kent Councillor for Gresford

Legal Advice

Online no-fault divorce may not be as simple as you think!

The advent of the new no-fault divorce which came into force last year brought a flurry of online applications, not least because couples believed that by not having to ‘prove’ the reason for wanting a divorce, they could deal with the process themselves and save money without engaging the help of a solicitor.

However, as is often the case with ‘new systems’, users are now recognising ‘operational glitches’, the most prominent one being the realisation that they cannot deal with financial and children issues in the same online process.

On discovering this, some couples decide to ‘sort matters out’ between themselves, without any formal legal agreements. By doing so they are, however, only thinking about their circumstances today, without giving thought to the dangers that could lie ahead.

What, for example, will happen if one or both parties’ circumstances change in the future? Or if they form new relationships and gain new families? Where will their loyalties lie then, if they have only made an informal arrangement relying on each other to simply ‘keep their word’?

All this demonstrates the importance of separating couples being fully aware that just getting a divorce (decree absolute) does not necessarily mean the end of any further claims concerning money or property being made by their ex-husband/ex-wife.

In England and Wales, even if you get a divorce, your ex-husband or ex-wife can apply to the court at any time – even after your death – for financial provision to be made by you, and, if necessary, from your Estate after you die.

The only true way to prevent nasty surprises happening when your ex-spouse contacts you 20 or 30 years after the divorce wanting half your pension, is to take proper legal advice at the outset - and that means legal advice appertaining specifically to your particular circumstances, and then ‘sealing the deal’ with a formal legal agreement through the Court.

In respect of children, the same applies, in so much as what may start out as an amicable agreement for care and financial arrangements could go badly wrong due to future unforeseen circumstances. Far better to stay safe by seeking proper legal advice before agreeing to anything!

This article has been written by Sean Rolinson, Solicitor at 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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Useful Numbers

Just For Fun

Crossword

ACROSS

1 Killer whale (4)

3 Came into possession of (8)

9 Two lines of verse (7)

10 Clod of turf (5)

11 Dictatorial (12)

13 Make certain of (6)

15 Of the eye (6)

17 Showing total commitment (12)

20 Hurts (5)

21 Vent for molten lava (7)

22 Picking (8)

23 Eat like a bird (4)

DOWN

1 Dweller (8)

2 Waterslide (5)

4 ___ acid: lemon juice constituent (6)

5 Not discernible (12)

6 Restoration to life (7)

7 Facts and statistics collectively (4)

8 Decomposition by a current (12)

12 Severe traffic congestion (8)

14 Fast musical composition (7)

16 Havens (anag) (6)

18 Historic nobleman (5)

19 Stylish (4)

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