Issuu

MAG MAY 2017 â€¢ DELIVERED FREE

YOUR MONTHLY INSIGHT INTO LOC AL LIVING COVERING ROSSETT, MARFORD, GRESFORD, PULFORD AND SURROUNDING AREA S

essentials Text

MAG

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AT A GLANCE Text

BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR VETERANS Award from MoD

12 MILE WORLD HERITAGE WALK in aid of Nightingale House Hospice

ST. GILES TOWER TOURS Book your place now

£100,000 INVESTMENT Local pub conversion into office space

ON THE WILD SIDE

Local birds and wildlife by Rev. Hugh Linn

IT’S YOUR MAG TOO! Got any comments? Let’s have them! Call us on 01978 855459 or send an email to

vicky@essentialsmag.co.uk

essentialsMAG www.essentialsmag.co.uk DISCLAIMER

The opinions and views expressed in articles and advertisements published in this issue of essentialsMAG are not necessarily the views held by the editors All facts and figures are correct at time of going to press Whilst every effort is taken to ensure accuracy in this publication, we cannot accept any responsibility for any error or omissions that may have occurred Registration No. 08947483 Printed by EWS Colourprint www.ewsprint.co.uk 01244 545 829 Front cover image of cows on the way back to milk! by Andrew Steven of Parkside Farm

mint fencing Fencing â€˘ Decking â€˘ Gates All types of groundwork undertaken Replace your damaged or old loose fitting fence panels. Made to measure. All old fencing debris disposed of. Registered waste carrier.

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Telephone 01978 855459 email vicky@essentialsmag.co.uk

Welcome

editorâ€™s LETTER After nearly 12 and a half years of Essential Mags in total I have handed over the reins to Vicky who has been working with me on the magazine and doing the lovely design work for the last 2 years. I'm ready for a change and I think the magazine is ready for some new blood too. Fortunately Vicky is a dab hand with the computer, as well as social media, and the design side of things and she's a local lady. More importantly she's community spirited and understands the importance of community so you're in safe hands. I have loved working with you all and thank you for all the contribution you have provided over the years, not forgetting the local delivery team who remain just as important, and the support and encouragement you have given me. I hope you will look after Vicky too. It will be business as usual and Vicky looks forward to carrying on in the same manner, but bringing you some new additions to keep you on your toes.

Regular readers might already recognise my face since I have been designing the lovely Essentials Mag for the past two years. I was delighted when Jill first asked me if I wanted to work on the magazine as I have been an avid reader since moving to the area in 2010. Jill has done an amazing job these past 12 years and I feel very fortunate and excited to be taking over the reins here at Essentials Mag, even though I will miss her greatly! Over the coming months I will be adding some new and interesting local features, recipes, competitions to name a few. I would also like to ask you, the reader, your opinion on what else you would like to see featured in the magazine, so I will be compiling a readership survey - after all this is your community mag.

So thank you for receiving and reading essentials and I look forward to its ongoing success and popularity.

Despite the fact that my background is from graphic design, and no doubt I will be tampering with the layout a little bit, you can be rest assured that the Essentials Mag that everyone has come to love and trust will still remain that important thread, weaving through the fabric of local life, connecting communities and families and businesses.

All the best, Jill

Best wishes, Vicky

www.facebook.com/EssentialsMagWrexham

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Wrexham News

Brighter Future for Veterans

Veterans and their families across North Wales are set to benefit from additional support from local authorities following the award of over ÂŁ230,000 from the Ministry of Defence. The award will fund the employment

of two Armed Forces Liaison Officers (AFLO) dedicated to strengthening the delivery of the Armed Forces Community Covenant across the region by ensuring the fair and respectful treatment of serving personnel, veterans and their families. The officersâ€™ remit will include reviewing existing policies and procedures in areas including Human Resources, Social Care, Education and Housing. Officers will also ensure the needs of the Armed Forces Community are considered in new strategic plans and service changes linked to, for example, the Well-being of Future Generations Act, and the Social Services and Well-being Act. The officers will seek to establish the size and complement of the regionâ€™s Armed Forces Community, and to establish clear lines of communication so that information can flow to and from community members more effectively. There will be a focus on training for front line staff too, allowing them to better understand and support the needs of the Armed Forces Community. Dr Helen Paterson, Wrexham's Chief Executive Officer, said: "This is excellent

news and I pass on my thanks to the officers responsible for securing this award. Armed forces personnel, veterans and their families can be assured that in North Wales we are committed to ensuring they will not be disadvantaged by the service they have given to their country."

The award will be administered by Wrexham Council on behalf of the six local authorities in North Wales.

Update from

The Maes y Pant Group

Firstly, I would like to thank you for your continued support of Maes y Pant. With your help and of many others in the village, I hope you agree that we have fulfilled our promises and produced an attractive amenity for use by the community. Admittedly it’s not looking its best at present because we’ve taken out a quarter of our pines but it will recover quickly. We’ve done this to ensure the health of the remaining trees. However, we will be receiving some money from sale of the wood, which will allow us to repair damage and undertake new projects.

Another year has slipped by and we are due to hold our annual Friends meeting - our 4th - to update you on developments, so please come along. You are entitled to have your say, as it’s a community woodland, which we manage on your behalf. The meeting is being held in Church House, Gresford as usual at 7.30pm on Tuesday 16 May. I will give feedback on the year and there will be an opportunity to ask us questions and give your views, but the main speaker is Jonny Hulson of North Wales Wildlife Trust who will talk about the work they’ve done to naturalise the Wrexham Industrial Estate for wildlife. We are also having our annual coffee morning and plant sale on Saturday 20th May from 10am until 12pm at Church House. Please come along and join us.

It has been another eventful year. We’ve thinned out the Corsican pines and clear felled three areas as well as a small area near the pond, this last we have already re-planted with hawthorn and blackthorn. The idea is that when it grows, wildlife will feel safer coming to use the pond. People have reported seeing newts, toads and frogs there, so the natural processes are winning. We’ve also built a bird hide in anticipation. We’ve installed a children’s play area, which is proving to be very popular. Dog walkers and possibly boot camps have been the main users of the site so far, but MyPAG is keen to get families in and this play area and the trail installed last year have been attractions.

Dog owners have been big supporters of Maes y Pant but some dog owners are now giving us a bad name. One correspondent in the Essentials mag referred to the site as a ‘dog toilet’. Harsh and it’s easy to criticise but we do need to do something. We have agreed that dogs should be kept on leads within the first 100 yards of the main entrance and we will introduce this by putting up notices and advertising it. Please get out onto site and enjoy it! If you have any views please contact us. Trevor Britton Chairman MyPAG sue.happs@btinternet.com

Essentials Mailbox

I felt that I must reply to the rather sour letter published in the April issue. What is laughable is the writer congratulates themselves on highlighting issues but offers absolutely no solutions. Initially, I hesitated to reply to this letter as the writer clearly has a basketful of issues to be aired, but as Chairman of the Maes y Pant Group I thought I ought to put some perspective on the comments concerning our site. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved at Maes y Pant in the last few years. We think it adds to the attraction of the village and surely must be better than the derelict site that it was. A lot of people put a lot of their own unpaid time to make the site attractive for visitors. We do have an issue with some dog owners and the Directors agree we have to be more pro-active. We will be introducing a rule that dogs must be kept on a lead in the car park and within a 100 yards of the main entrance. I’m sorry that this may be inconveniencing the many to deal with the few but it will stop dogs running off unchecked at the start of their walks. It’s a start. Maes y Pant is a community woodland, managed on behalf of local people. I do feel that a community gets what it deserves - good and bad. We could be at a critical point. We will have to look at focusing on enforcement action but the Directors have been reluctant to do this because we want everyone to enjoy the site, without the feeling of ‘Big Brother’ watching and waiting. It’s not just dog mess either. There is a significant degree of fly tipping on our site, especially from neighbouring properties. We ask that this stops now. Again, if it doesn’t we will have to look at enforcement options, however we want to be understanding neighbours. I didn’t understand the criticism about installing a car park followed by criticism of people parking on the road. Surely the car park ameliorates this problem, if it is a problem. Even so, we do listen to people’s concerns but so far have decided not to apply for permission to extend the car park because this would be of concern to residents of The Conifers. Incidentally, we do have a website, but don’t advertise as asserted. I’m sure we are not getting extra visitors because of that but through reputation. It would not be easy to learn about our site on the web, if you weren’t deliberately looking for it. The website is there for local people to see what’s going on and contact us if they wish. Finally, I must say I’m very pleased to be a resident of Gresford and Marford. We have a number of facilities in the village which we should be proud of, such as the Trust, community library and Maes y Pant. All delivered and managed by the local community. We shouldn’t be moaning about issues but getting on and solving perceived problems. Fortunately many people in this village are doing just that. Trevor Britton, Chairman, MyPAG

If you have a comment about any local news/information please email: jill@essentialsmag.co.uk

11th - 13th May 2017

Focus Wales 2017

FOCUS Wales is back and will take place over 11th-13th May 2017!

FOCUS Wales is an annual multi-venue festival taking place in Wrexham, North Wales, each spring, which places the music industry spotlight firmly on the emerging talent that Wales has to offer the world. FOCUS Wales 2017 will mark the festival's 7th edition, and will welcome over 7,000 people to the town, building upon 2016â€™s record attendance across a jam-packed weekend of events. There's no place like Wrexham during FOCUS Wales, as we showcase 200+ bands, fill out a variety of spaces and music venues, using 20 stages, and hosting a full schedule of Interactive Industry Sessions, Stand-up Comedy, Arts events, and Film screenings, throughout the festival. To see the full festival line-up and for tickets visit www.focuswales.com

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Wrexham News

St. Giles Church Tower Tours Visitors to Wrexham will have the chance to take in the views of the town centre and beyond with the return of the tower climbs to the top of St Giles.

The popular St Giles Church Tower Climbs have started again for the 2017 Year of Legends in Wales. During the trip up the tower there is the chance to explore the bell chamber before making your way to the top of St Giles to take in views across the town (on a clear day these views are particularly impressive!) Cost is £4 per person and tickets can be pre-purchased from the Wrexham Tourist Information Centre (Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm) or by calling 01978 292015. Details of the dates for the current tower climbs can be found at ‘This is Wrexham’ Facebook page @ThisIsWrexham

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Finance News with Hadlow Edwards Medwyn Edwards, Chartered Financial Planner, Director Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management

Warm Hands

A few weeks ago during a meeting with one of my clients (we will call him Fred) he used a phrase I had not heard for many years. In short, whilst we were talking about his own financial position and particularly that of his extended family he told me that his plan in the future was to help his children and grandchildren as much as he could with “Warm Hands”.

This got me thinking and we went on to consider the following: Firstly, Fred’s options to make gifts from available capital. Most people are aware that an individual can make a gift of £3,000 per tax year to whoever they wish with no tax considerations. In short Fred can gift what he likes from capital but there are rules with regard to how long he has to survive for larger sums gifted. What Fred did not know is that he can gift from income as well.

Once again there are some rules (no surprises). Fred has total income of £24,000 per annum and can show that he lives quite comfortably on £15,000 per annum. This allows him to gift away the surplus which must be gifted on a regular basis – so we suggested £750 per month. This is going equally to his 3 grandchildren to help pay their mortgages. Importantly the gift must be made regularly and must come from income that Fred can afford to gift whilst allowing himself to run his own home and life effectively.

Warren Hadlow

Medwyn Edwards

Interestingly this conversation took us onto another area which was about Inheritance Tax planning. On April 6th just gone the new Main Residence Relief became available which for most people is a step in the right direction. We all enjoy a Nil Rate Band of £325,000 (this is the amount we can each leave to whoever we wish tax free in our estate one day) but if you are leaving a home to your own children this figure has been enhanced by £100,000 in the last month. In essence you now have a Nil Rate Band of £425,000.

Lastly with Fred we got around to talking about the use of a Trust. He was keen to help his grandchildren on a monthly basis but less keen to give them lump sums as in his own words they are “pretty young”. We set up a simple trust and Fred is considering gifting some monies (and in fact one or two existing investments) to the trust, just so as he has a little more control in the foreseeable future whilst his grandchildren get a little more established. It was an interesting hour or so and as a family I am sure we helped put some plans in place that not only gives Fred some pleasure but also provides practical support right now. Do get in touch if Fred’s Warm Hands approach is something you would like to hear more about.

Contributed by Warren Hadlow & Medwyn Edwards, Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Limited. Telephone: 01978 311 611 - e-mail: hadlow.edwards@sjpp.co.uk

Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Limited 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

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at Hadlow edwards we offer a distinctive approach to our clients and their financial affairs. You get all the benefits of personal attention and years of experience from an approachable, friendly team of professionals. We take care of the details and take away the frustration of financial planning. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

HADLOW EDWARDS WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD chartered Financial Planners

Telephone: 01978 311 611 Fax: 01978 311 633 email: hadlow.edwards@sjpp.co.uk www.hadlowedwards.co.uk

Nightingale House Hospice Invites You

To Explore Your Local Heritage

A unique showcase of the fabulous history that North East Wales has to offer is due to take place this May. Organised by local hospice, Nightingale House, the World Heritage Walk on the 21st May will give supporters the chance to follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest architects the region has ever seen.

Fundraisers can explore the legendary tow paths and footpaths of Llangollen and Oswestry - an area steeped in local heritage – while taking in the breathtaking sights of the iconic Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, known as the stream in the sky, as well as the Chirk Aqueduct, Trevor Basin and the Chirk Tunnel. The free 12 mile walk, which coincides with local and community history month, begins at the Lion Quays in Oswestry at 10:15am where, a complementary shuttle bus will transport supporters to the start of their walking adventure at the Chainbridge Hotel, Llangollen.

“North East Wales has many amazing and enjoyable walking areas,” said Amanda Kinsey, Fundraiser at Nightingale House. “We have so many treasures and assets, as we all are aware, so to compact them all into one walk really is a unique opportunity. The self guided 12 mile stroll is no great distance to walk on a summer’s day but, in historical terms, it provides a giant leap into our local heritage. You will follow in the same footsteps as Thomas Telford and William Jessop while exploring this superb tapestry of different places that everyone should see at least once.”

“We are not asking for a registration fee for the World Heritage Walk but we would challenge our walkers to raise as much sponsorship as they can to help our hospice families. The route is suitable for the whole family, even your four legged friends, and we really would encourage everyone to get their walking boots on and get involved. You will come back with a head full of historic memories and the knowledge that you are supporting people whose lives are shorter than they should be,” she added.

For more information about the World Heritage Walk, contact Nightingale House on 01978 314 292 or email info@nightingalehouse.co.uk.

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Essentials Mag

Property Section

The average price of newly marketed property has jumped up by 1.3% (+£3,877) last month. A larger monthly rise at this time of year has only been recorded once since 2007, an indicator of the continuing resilience of the market. Furthermore, it matches the monthly increase recorded in last year’s buy-to-let-boosted period. There are signs of a changing market however, and breaking with the tradition of the market often being driven by the northern or southern halves of the country, it is the two Midlands regions that clearly lead the way in both the monthly and annual price metrics.

Miles Shipside, Rightmove director and housing market analyst comments: “Since the start of the decade, the average March price rise has been 0.9%, so this month’s 1.3% uplift is an indicator of a shortage of suitable property for sale in many parts of the country, with strong demand for the right property at the right price. Since 2007 we’ve only once seen a larger rise than this in March, and we are also keeping pace with last year’s rise, which had the added momentum of investors looking to beat the Stamp Duty tax deadline of April 1st.”

While market fundamentals remain robust, the annual rate of increase in the price that new-to-the-market sellers are asking for their property remains modest at 2.3% for the second consecutive month. The prices set by house sellers and their estate agents are a leading indicator of market sentiment, and these figures demonstrate the slower pace of increases. A year ago in March 2016 year-on-year prices rose at 7.6%, more than three times this rate.

Shipside adds: “While six consecutive years of price rises have been a gravy train for many home-owners, some of them are running into the buffers of affordability when they come to trade up. Meanwhile many would-be first-time buyers are being left waiting on the platform struggling to even get on board. Modest average wage rises and tighter lending criteria have limited buyers’ ability to pay more. While credit is cheap, if there are limits on its availability then the pace of rise has to slow even though demand for housing is high. Many buyers are being forced to be price-sensitive, so sellers have to be wary of overpricing if they want to sell.” ......................................................................................................................................................................

Information provided by www.rightmove.co.uk

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From Own Goals to Home Goals

whitegates

Wrexham footballer turned estate agent, whilst not the most obvious career path there are quite a few similarities! Chris Hamill was born and bred in Wrexham and went to Groves High School. At the age of 12 he was scouted by Chester City FC, and at the age of 14 he attracted the interest of all the top premier league football teams, Liverpool, Man Utd and Aston Villa, before signing a 5 year contract with Blackburn Rovers, the team he grew up supporting. At the age of 16 he signed a 3 year contract with Wrexham FC and enjoyed his time there. At 16 he played the first few pre-season games for the first team before spending the most of that season in the reserves. As time went on he became disillusioned with football. To go from something youâ€™ve always wanted to do from such a young age, to it becoming your daily job is extremely difficult and at 19 he made the decision to leave Wrexham FC 6 months before the end of his contract and step into the â€˜real worldâ€™. For a short time he was devastated as everything that he had worked for his whole life had gone. Not knowing what he wanted to do he dropped his CV into Whitegates Estate Agents and was swiftly brought in for an interview. He was then offered the role of trainee estate agent. From this moment he put his all into this new job. He'd found something that he loved, something that he enjoyed, just like football. He quickly progressed and with all the training courses and on the job training under his belt he soon developed the knack of selling properties and meeting new people. In 2009 he was given the opportunity of 50% ownership and in 2013 he took full ownership of the Wrexham franchise. Since this day, his youth, sporting competitiveness and newly acquired estate agency skills, he has been able to lead and manage Wrexham Whitegates to success whilst introducing a well managed lettings department. Certainly not on the reserves bench in Wrexham, Whitegates has a reputation for personal and friendly service and are one of the most reputable and top performing agents in Wrexham. If they shoot they score and they have an established track record of managing rentals, keeping landlords happy and selling homes quickly and efficiently. In his early 30's it's great to see a young man who genuinely cares about peoples futures and their home moves. And more importantly there is life after football!

01978 312123 41 King Street, Wrexham LL11 1HR wrexham@whitegates.co.uk www.whitegates.co.uk

whitegates

Whitegates Properties For Sale

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Deans Close, Borras

A unique opportunity to purchase this commanding 5 bedroom residence with a combination of 5 garages, gardens to the front, sides and rear and 2 driveways. The property could benefit from further improvements and modernisation. EPC Rating E43.

Asking price £420,000

CroesHowell, Nr Rossett,LL12 Two Bed Detached Bungalow

Harwoods Close, Rossett, LL12 Two Bed Semi Detached House

Dean Road, Borras, Wrexham LL13 Two Bed Modern End Mews House

£174,950

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Garage To Rear Two Reception Rooms Double Glazing Installed Immaculately presented Far Reaching Views To The Front. Viewing Highly Recommended Energy Efficiency Rating F’38

SOLD STC – in 3 weeks! Driveway & Garage Cul De Sac Location Double Glazed Conservatory Modern Well Presented Kitchen With Built In Oven & Hob Energy Performance Rating G’8

Fitted Breakfast Kitchen Double Glazing Installed Off Road Parking Tranquil Rear Garden Gas Central Heating Convenient Location Energy Efficiency Rating D’66

Please get in touch if you'd like to view any of these properties or to discuss rentals as investments.

01978 312123 41 King Street, Wrexham LL11 1HR wrexham@whitegates.co.uk www.whitegates.co.uk

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In Local Pub

For some workers the pub is the lunchtime destination but for staff at one Wrexham accountancy firm it is where they will be all day following an office move.

Mike Griffiths & Partners (MGP) Accountants, owned by James Denton, is the new owner of the former Yew Tree Inn in Gresford which has undergone a £100,000 revamp to turn it into the new offices for the firm. Mr Denton, from Park Hall, Oswestry, bought the pub on High Street from Marston’s Brewery which then closed its doors on September 30. The pub had been on the market for more than three years. MGP Accountants will now move from its nearby current offices on Chester Road in Gresford to the converted pub and plan to open the doors to clients later this year. Mr Denton, who currently employs five members of staff, said the investment and the move was a vital part of his strategic plans for growth. He said it was extremely important for him to keep the business in Gresford as that is where the firm was first launched by the former owner and company founder Mike Griffiths 35 years ago. Mr Denton said the pub was at risk of being sold off to housing developers if he had not bought it so he was pleased he was able to keep the building as a key part of the village. Mr Denton has already welcomed a new member of staff earlier this year and plans to offer more jobs throughout the next 12 to 18 months. Lucy Bennett started her apprenticeship as a trainee accountant in February.

“The former Yew Tree Inn was a perfect move for us as it offers extensive space which we have converted into office accommodation on the ground floor. This gives us the much needed office space and also space for our expanding team. The internal conversion was a huge undertaking but we are extremely pleased with the finished open plan office,” Mr Denton said. “The pub is a prominent building in a conservation area opposite All Saints Church which is home to one of the seventh Wonders of Wales so we are very happy we have been able to secure the building.” Mr Denton, who bought the accountancy firm nine years ago, said the internal revamp had resulted in contracts for many of his clients and local companies. A first floor three bedroomed flat is included in the pub and is expected to be available for rent from May 1st which he hopes will offer the perfect home for a family wishing to live in the village.

MGP Accountants will be opening its doors to clients and residents, along with other business owners, for free refreshments on 11th May from 12pm to 3pm. For more information about the office move or anybody interested in the rental of the flat should call 01978 852 698 or email info@mgpaccountants.com

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News Update

Gresford Community Council Gresford Community Council works for the communities of Gresford, and Marford and Hoseley, to improve the environment and facilities for residents. Below is an update on some of our most recent priorities:

• School Crossing and Safety: The Community Council is pleased to have recruited a School Crossing Patrol Officer, Mr Sommer, who commenced duties on High Street in March. The parking situation outside Rofft School is also being looked at. • High Street: Work is underway to improve signage and traffic calming measures in the High Street area in an effort to slow the speed of traffic, along High Street and particularly towards the junction of High Street, School Hill and Pant Lane. • Lighting matters: The General Amenities Committee have recently reviewed the lighting in Marford and Gresford and several dark pockets have been identified. We hope to make improvements in the Clapper Lane and Pont Y Capel area soon. • Chester Road: Meetings have been held with both Wrexham Council and the owner of the land at the junction of High Street and Chester Road, with the aim of improving the appearance of the site, with the aim of avoiding recourse to action if possible. • Preservation of Allotments: We have recently approached the University of Wales to discuss purchasing the land currently used by the Allotment Association with the aim of preserving the provision of Allotments for the future. • The Youth Working Party recently held a mapping event for agencies that are involved with young people. The aim is to improve facilities for young people locally, and get more young people involved in planning for the future. • Grants: We have awarded a number of grants recently to local organisations who provide services within the village, and successful awardees included the Library, Playgroup, Scouts and Festival Committee. A full list and information about how to apply for a grant is on the website. The deadline is 30th November. • Red Telephone Box: The Council was concerned about the plan to decommission the red telephone box on Pant Lane and so are currently in contact with BT and Cadwyn Cymru over the possibility of purchasing it using an available grant for future community use. All comments and ideas on its use are welcome. • An Information Board for the lake area is currently being planned in conjunction with residents.

If you have any comments about any of the above matters or would like more information about Gresford Community Council, please visit the website, www.gresford.org.uk, or contact the Clerk, on clerkgresford@gmail.com The next meeting of the Council will be held at 7:15pm on Thursday 11th May at Gresford Memorial Trust All welcome.

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Essentials Mailbox

Local Artist If I might be so bold, I'd like to take this opportunity to bring to your attention something that might be of interest to you and readers of Essentials Mag. I am a local artist resident in Gresford, dividing my time between painting and a day job at the Wrexham campuses of Coleg Cambria. I have been working on a series of six paintings (all oil on canvas and measuring 24" by 48") depicting Maes y Pant, based on various scenes encountered whilst walking in the woods, mostly off the beaten track, within the concentrations of trees, with the particular attraction to me being the verticality of the pines. Two of these paintings were recently on show as part of the Wrexham Open art exhibition at the Undegun gallery space in the town centre, having been selected for inclusion from the open submission of work by professional and amateur artists from the local area and beyond. The complete series of Maes y Pant paintings can be viewed as the 'woodscapes' at my website, which can be found at: https://theoppositeoftomato.wordpress.com/ All the paintings are for sale, please contact me if anyone is interested. Thank you for your time. James Rowley jamesrowleyart@hotmail.com

Best Newcomer in Rossett Dear Jill & Vicky Just to let you know that The Machine House won Best New Comer at the Taste Cheshire Awards last month. Just wondering if you wanted to give us a cheeky little mention in the mag! Helena Cooper-Poole

If you have a comment about any local news/information please email: jill@essentialsmag.co.uk

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2017 Wrexham Tourism

Award Winners!

Destination Wrexham team launch 2017 Year of Legends and celebrate growing tourism scene in 3rd annual awards at Chirk Castle! 14 local

businesses were recognised for their immense work in giving visitors a great experience in Wrexham. The prestigious ceremony to celebrate the continued growth in the local industry was staged at Chirk Castle to coincide with the Welsh Year of Legends 2017. In January, over 60 local tourism businesses put themselves forward for the awards and a shortlist was drawn up based on the quality of service and impact which they have each made on the local tourism industry over the last year. Destination Wrexham Chair - Pete McGivern from the Bridge End Inn Ruabon commented; "The County Borough is growing each year in terms of new visitors staying & spending - we still have challenges, but there's a massive network in place now through things like the tourism ambassador scheme which is helping. 2017 promises another strong year of growth and these awards will just further help the awareness of Wrexham as a place with real quality in abundance."

2017 Awards Winners: Outstanding Achievement: Jeannie Chantler - Bangor on Dee Racecourse Customer Service Award: Apollo Taxis Best Large Event: Stereophonics and Catfish & the Bottlemen Best Small Event: Victorian Christmas Market Best Visitor Attraction: Chirk Castle Best Pub: The Fat Boar Wrecsam Award for Sourcing Local Produce: The Lemon Tree Wrexham Rising Star Award: Peta Hearn - Trevor Basin Visitor Centre Best Cafe / Tea Room: La Baguette Wrexham Best Restaurant: The Hand Llanarmon Best Use of Social Media: King Street Coffee Best Large Accommodation: The Mulberry Inn Best Small Accommodation: Worthenbury Manor B&B Best Self Catering: The Plassey Leisure Park

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Plans to Resurrect Historic

Wrexham Bank Holiday in 2018 Calls have made to bring back Wrexham’s very own Bank Holiday for a day of celebrations next year. The almost forgotten tradition of Dydd Llun Pawb (Everybody’s Monday) dates back to the late 1800s and was unique event to Wrexham. Following the Spring market everyone was given the Monday off in order to descend on the town, which was wildly animated with street entertainment, food stalls, musical acts and surreal side shows. Now there are hopes to recreate the fascinating event from the town’s history, with artists Marc Rees and Lisa Heledd Jones resurrecting Dydd Llun Pawb for the first Monday in April 2018 – which looking ahead shows the celebrations will take place on Easter Monday.

The inspiration behind recreating Dydd Llun Pawb comes as a result of research by the two artists, who currently creating work on behalf of Oriel Wrecsam ahead of the opening on the new arts and market facility next spring. It is hoped that the event will see the town filled with entertainment, music, fairground rides, street food and giant souvenirs. Marc explained: “I believe that a celebratory event such as Dydd Llun Pawb could galvanise the community and help reinstate and reaffirm Wrexham’s identity which, as we’ve discovered, is something that locals strongly feel has been lost. So what better way than to reintroduce a unique old custom particularly associated with the town and reimagine it for now and make it a positive, playful and accessible occasion for all.”

Jo Marsh, Arts Lead Wrexham Council added: “We’re delighted to be working with Lisa and Marc on the Dydd Llun Pawn project, which will form a significant part of our final year of off-site programme. The project embodies the ethos of our vision for Oriel Wrecsam: as a useful institution which re-examines and reinvigorates the town’s culture and identity, through a programme of highest quality visual and performing arts. Dydd Llun Pawb is the perfect start to that journey, and I have no doubt that the project, and the stories and links created by it, will inform the programme at Oriel Wrecsam People’s Market way beyond the opening in Spring 2018.” Organisers are now looking to collect people’s weird and wonderful stories of Wrexham through workshops, events, the Dydd Llun Pawb website and social media.

Within the year they’ll be transforming six of those tales into brand new souvenirs made by local and national artists that will be scaled up by community groups to form the heart of an unusual Parade that will kick start Dydd Llun Pawb.

Submit your own Wrexham stories by emailing dyddllunpawbwxm@gmail.com, Alternatively you can join the project too on twitter @dyddllunpawb and Instagram.com/dyddllunpawb. Please use the hashtag #wearewrexham

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Latest News

St. Peter’s Primary School, Rossett

The Balfour Trust

Mr. Mike Thompson, Chair of The Balfour Trust for Rossett, was warmly welcomed to assembly at St. Peter's School recently. The School has been awarded a total of £1300 to use for two projects relating to healthy choices and healthy lifestyles, which is part of the remit of the Trust. Members of the school's football teams collected a cheque to buy new goalposts for all the children to enjoy during their playtimes. The school has a thriving Gardening Club where members of the local community and Burton and Rossett Horticultural Society work with the children to grow fruit and vegetables. Mr. Charles Murray and members of the school's gardening club were delighted to receive money to buy a new cover for their polytunnel.

St. Peter's Playscheme have recently been given £150 by The Balfour Trust for Rossett. This will be used for the childrens' outdoor activities at the club. Over 50 children attend every day and Liz Davies, playscheme co-ordinator, is now looking forward to being able to provide craft and art activities outside during the summer months. The children were also delighted to receive a new supply of much needed footballs.

You can keep up with school news on Twitter @stpetersrossett

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Councillor for Marford & Hoseley

Mike Edwards Marford Hill The Co-op is open in Rossett, but there seems as much traffic as ever turning in by the Red Lion. Wrexham Highways have not yet put up the appropriate speed limit signs, which I asked for last month. Perhaps they ignored me because I was retiring. New Councillor take note!

CONTACT DETAILS: e-mail mike.marford2@gmail.com Tel 01978 854992

Elections May 4th I am pleased to tell you that I was reappointed to Gresford Community Council as there were not enough candidates from Marford to cause an election. Please note my contact email address mike.marford2@gmail.com as I can no longer use the wrexham.gov.uk address. Please feel free to contact me about local matters. Roads I shall still be looking for any problems in our streets and I will report them, as can any member of the public, through the Wrexham website or on 01978 292000. I shall have more time to check that there are enough dropped kerbs for wheelchairs and pushchairs. We can all help these pedestrians by not parking illegally on the pavements. Maes Y Pant Woodland The date for the annual “Friends” meeting is now Tuesday May 16th. I look forward to discussing future developments with them. I do find it bizarre that so many people wish to tell us how to run the site, without contributing to the cost in any way, by for example joining “the Friends”. No fee is charged for using the woods, so I think it reasonable that visitors should not leave litter or dog mess there.

Hugh Linn

Local Birds & Wildlife Following the normal Spring pattern the first summer migrants to arrive were Chiffchaffs. Once settled they lay claim to breeding territories with the characteristic repetition of the two note ditty from which their name is derived. My earliest Chiffchaff this year was heard singing from treetops in Alyn Waters Country Park on 14th March while in the sky above one of the most evocative sounds of Spring could be heard loud and clear as two Skylarks combined song and aerobatics to advertise their territory. Sand Martins are also early arrivals. There was a steady build-up of these small brown and white members of the swallow family hawking for insects over Gresford Flash from around a dozen on April 1st to well over a hundred two weeks later. By 13th April male Swallows were back on the look-out for potential mates at a couple of traditional local nest sites. Research has found that having wintered in South Africa the majority of our Swallows return in Spring to within five miles of where they were hatched. Among resident birds it is encouraging to note that over recent years there has been a considerable increase in the number of Goldfinches occurring in gardens. In our own garden for some weeks at least 6 of these colourful little birds have been almost constantly present at the feeders. Goldfinches are particularly fond of sunflower hearts and nyger seed.

Goldfinch

Peacock Butterfly

Tawny Mining Bee

As the days grow warmer and flowers provide a valuable source of pollen butterflies and a variety of other insects can be found in gardens. From mid-March Peacock, Holly Blue, Orange Tip, Speckled Wood, Comma and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies have all been reported around the Rossett area along with a variety of bees and hover-flies. Apparently there are around 5,000 species of hover- fly so there is plenty of scope for testing identification skills! Bee species are fewer in number but to novices (like myself) they can still be bewildering. One of my favourites is the Tawny Mining Bee. Males are nondescript compared with the brightly coloured females whose nests are often found in lawns.

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Wrexham News

Mobile Library Service Our mobile library provides a very popular service to those areas of the county borough which are not within easy reach of a branch library. It visits over 70 locations once every 3 Weeks and carries an extensive, regularly updated, range of fiction, non-fiction (including popular bestsellers), large print, and audio books for both adults and children. A lift is available on the vehicle for easy access for those who require it. To join You will need to complete a simple form and bring proof of identification. If you have already joined at another library within the county there is no need to re-join – just bring your current library card. The free reservation service gives you access to any item in stock in our libraries. You can request items through the mobile library staff or go to the library catalogue and do it on line. Burton, Lavister & Rossett (Every 3rd Thursday) Burton, Croes Howell Lane LL12 0LE (9:40 - 10:15am) Burton, The Causeway LL12 0HU (10:25 – 11:00am) Lavister, Nag's Head LL12 0DN (11:15am – 12:00pm) Rossett, The Orchard LL12 0EY (1:15 – 4:15pm) 2017 Dates 18th May 8th June 29th June 20th July 10th August 31st August 21st September 12th October 2nd November 23rd November 14th December If the mobile library has to cancel stops for some reason (e.g. vehicle breakdown, severe weather), the staff will do their best to contact you or a contact person in the community. If you would like to help by becoming a contact person please let the library staff know.

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Gresford Trust

Newsdesk by Jen Dutton Popular Village Facility Threatened with Closure.This is an all too familiar headline affecting many communities but fortunately not one that applies to Gresford Memorial Hall. However, because this social enterprise is ‘Run by the village for the Village’ it is important that volunteer Trustees continue to join and support the work of the Management Committee. The next Trust meetings will be on Thursday May 18th and June 15th (because of elections.) If you think you have time and skills to offer please contact the office and find out how you can be part of the team. Gresford Trust was pleased to support Darland School Football Team with the loan of facilities for the semi-final match of the Welsh Secondary Schools Cup. Darland Team performed well against Ysgol Penglais, Aberystwyth, to win 3 - 2. They now progress to the finals on Saturday 8th May at 2.15pm KO, against a Swansea team at TNS, Park Hall, Oswestry. We wish them every success and hope they have lots of local support. Congratulations to Gresford Bowls Club – selected to host the Wales v Derbyshire Senior County Championship match on Sunday May 7th at 2pm. Refreshments will be available at the British Legion, so come along and support the Club. The bowls season started in April and 11 teams will enter the Wrexham District, Wrexham Vets, Flintshire Mid-Week and Malpas Senior Citizen Leagues. The Club also has many members who just want to enjoy a game in the fresh air and meet new friends. New members; male, female, young and old are always welcome on any afternoon or evening for a friendly 'roll up' and chat. Anyone interested can come to the greens or contact the Secretary, Graham Owen on 01978 853287. Membership fees are £20, concessions £15. The refurbishment of the two meeting rooms, aided by a Gresford Community Council grant, commenced over Easter with minimum disruption to hirers. The rooms look fresh and welcoming - we think our hirers will like them too.

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Essentials Mailbox

Blooming marvellous: charity ball raises thousands for hospice A charity ball has left a local hospice blooming after raising thousands of pounds. Up to 200 people celebrated an evening of glitz and glamour in aid of Nightingale House at the Trevor Arms. Organised by Kay Whistler and Amy Williams in partnership with Kate at Blooming Beautiful, Wrexham, generous guests raised more than £10,000 for Nightingale House to continue their vital care for people whose lives are shorter than they should be. Guests enjoyed a glamorous drinks reception and three-course dinner, followed by a charity auction, raffle and dancing into the early hours of the morning. The evening proved to be an outstanding success for the hospice which, every year, helps more than 5,437 people living with life-limiting illnesses in the North Wales and border areas. This is the second year that the charity ball has taken place with supporters showing even more generosity than ever before. “Nightingale House has touched the hearts of so many people in the Wrexham community including myself having lost my father, Ray Lambert-Evans, at the hospice,” said organiser Kay Whistler. “We are very fortunate to have a charity such as Nightingale House, which takes end-of-life care into account with such compassion and value, on our doorstep and it is an honour to be able to help them continue their vital work. The money that the ball has raised will go such a long way in helping our local hospice and ultimately, that is what makes everything worth it.” Luke McDonald of Nightingale House said: “The effort that Kay, Amy and Kate put in to making the charity ball a success is unbelievable. The amount raised has far exceeded our expectations and we are so grateful to everyone who played a part in raising it for us. “Each year, it costs £2.8 million to run our hospice and it is only thanks to the support of the community we serve that we can continue to be here for our patients and their families when they need us most.” Luke McDonald Area Fundraiser, Nightingale House Hospice

If you have a comment about any local news/information please email: jill@essentialsmag.co.uk

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Essentials NOTICEBOARD

Text

Text Pulford & Poulton local History GrouP

Wednesday 17th May aGM followed by Members Mini-talks: 1) the digital archive 2). Poulton dig research & its implications. -----------------------------------

Wednesday 21st June “chester Zoo” an illustrated talk by tom Jones

In Pulford Village Hall at 7:30pm Admission: Members £2, non-members £3 More information: Hon. Sec. Jenny Nethercott 01244 571040

Cruise on the Manchester Ship canal on August 9th leaving Marford at 8:45am to catch the boat at 10am. 6 hour cruise. £5 deposit needed by 14th May then £30 by 9th July. Couple of hours in The Lowry centre. Coach from Marford pay on the day - approx £10. Email: blackbb1927@outlook.com or call Beryl on: 01978 855691

Bookings being taken for Cilla the Musical on Saturday 25th November , matinee £41... + approx £10 for coach Email: blackbb1927@outlook.com or call Beryl on: 01978 855691 Must receive booking by May 24th

Pulford Village Hall Booking Secretary and Treasurer Peter Gosmore T. 07711 808082

Gresford Retirement Club A warm welcome awaits you! Meetings in Gresford Memorial Hall 2nd & 4th Thursday at 2pm Talks, discussions, quizzes, trips, chats etc... and a cup of tea! Just come along, or ring 852735 for info. (No meetings in August)

BRHS Burton and Rossett Horticultural Society

HARDY& UNUSUAL PLANTS A talk by Kevin Pratt on growing hardy and unusual but obtainable plants

Wednesday 24th May 2017

BRHS Burton and Rossett Horticultural Society

SPRING SHOW Plant Sale and Cream Teas

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Saturday 17th June 2017 2.00â€“4.00pm

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for more details please visit our website: www.brhs.org.uk

Rossett Art Group Members meet on most Mondays 1pm - 4pm at Gresford Memorial Hall. We are a group of like-minded people who enjoy painting. We are currently seeking new members to join this well established art group. If are interested please contact Dennis on 01978 852529.