EssentialsMAG May 2022 Rossett/Marford/Gresford/Holt/Farndon

Your monthly local community magazine

May 2022

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★ Shop local ★ Eat local ★ Spend local ★ Enjoy local ★

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Welcome...

Welcome to our May issue!

Welcome to the May issue of EssentialsMAG and, as I write, the UK is ramping up for the Queen’s official Platinum Jubilee celebrations. There have already been plenty of plaudits for Her Majesty’s stunning achievements, so I won’t try to compete.

Suffice to say that I take my hat (or crown!) off to an amazing lady who has shown such stamina and determination to keep true to her promise “… that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.” I only hope that I can still be as active in my later years!

Also this month I’m looking forward to the weather improving and finally being able to spend more time outdoors with my family.

Although we only have the one Bank Holiday this month (the late May Bank Holiday having been rescheduled for early June to celebrate the Jubilee) there are still plenty of other major outdoor events happening in our region. To me it feels like we’re making up for all the missed opportunities of the last two years.

Have a great month!

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

www.essentialsmag.co.uk

Cover Image: Beautiful Spring flowers

June Deadlines: Editorial - 13th May Advertising - 20th May

We’ve got the local area covered!

Delivered by hand to 6,400 homes and businesses more than any other magazine in our area.

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

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

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

The publishers cannot accept responsibility for views or opinions expressed by contributors or for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers. All dates, times, URLs and phone numbers are understood to be correct at the time of submission to print. © EssentialsMAG Limited 2022.

Follow us today and stay updated locally @EssentialsMagWrexham @EssentialsMAG1

Local News Model Train Railway Opens Wrexham and District Society of Model Engineers (WDSME) is based next to the Pant-yrOchain restaurant in Gresford. They are now open every Sunday afternoon, 12pm - 4pm, throughout the Summer offering rides on their scale model locomotives (subject to availability and weather). There is no charge to ride, but donations are gratefully received. All ages welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. No dogs or alcohol allowed.

Gresford Craft Group Vacancy Gresford Craft Group was founded in 1980 and has raised thousands of pounds for local charities. They currently have vacancies and offer a comfortable and friendly environment in the Green Room of Gresford Memorial Hall. Skilled in most textile crafts they offer oneto-one help when and where it is needed. Why not pop along one Tuesday morning or evening (9.30am-11:30am or 7:30pm-9:30pm) and see if you would like to join? The price is £3 per session and includes tea, coffee and biscuits. For more details please contact Val Shields on: 01978 852856.

Rossett Focus Group Fighting Fund Rossett Focus Group is in need of ‘fighting funds’ towards a key High Court challenge against the development of 132 new houses in the village. So far £12,000 has been raised towards the £30,000 requirement.

Developers, Castle Green Homes Limited, have submitted plans to build 132 houses on the fields off Rossett Road close to Trevalyn Hall View.

On 21 March an application for a Judicial Review was submitted to the High Court in Cardiff. Rossett Focus Group awaits the High Court judgement but the need to raise fighting funds continues. For more information and to donate visit: rossettvillage.org

Face of Holt Handover The ownership of the publicly funded Face of Holt which sits proudly on the Cross, has now transferred to Holt Town Trust. Holt Community Gardeners (HGC) was initially loaned the solid wood carved statue by the renowned artist, Simon O’Rourke. It was intended to be a focal point for the village’s entry to Wales in Bloom last summer.

The statue proved so popular that a Crowdfunding campaign and donations enabled the statue to be purchased for £3,000.

HGC decided that by gifting the statue to the Holt Town Trust is would secure it for the village for years to come.

The success of this project can be attributed to the support received from the community and businesses and will continue to be valued by all.

Gresford & Marford Scarecrow Trail 2022 Gresford and Marford Scarecrow Trail will be taking place in August. There is still time to register. Please email your contact details to: secretary.imagegm2021@gmail.com

Calling Out For Singers Wrexham Community Choir is calling out for new singers to join their weekly choir singing sessions at Wrexham’s cultural centre, Tŷ Pawb in Market Street. The choir runs every Tuesday evening from 7:30pm - 9:00pm. No experience is required and is open to all, from experienced singers to those who only sing in the shower, or who have been told they can’t sing! There are no auditions, no solos and no need to read music.

Wrexham Community Choir, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary year, is led by Carol Donaldson who has a career of over 30 years in music.

For more information please email info@wrexhamchoir.co.uk

Share your news with us: www.essentialsmag.co.uk/article

Solar Panels Are They Worth it?

By TIM PAINTER at Smart energi In a major move to help the country hit its ‘Net Zero by 2050’ target, in 2019 the UK Government announced a ban on gas boilers. As a result, many homeowners have been looking around for alternative energy to heat and run their homes.

One option is solar panels with home battery storage. For many years, installing solar panels was quite lucrative as they came with the ability to be paid generously for any energy the system generated under the Feed in Tariff (FiT). The FiT ended in April 2019, however, due to the rising cost of energy and the falling cost of solar panels, solar energy and home battery storage is still worth considering.

According to Money Saving Expert the cost of installing solar panels on the average sized home is around £5,000.

Adding a battery to the system will cost between £2,000 - £7,000, on average. The impact on your energy bills will depend on the solar panel system and battery size, your electricity use, and where in the UK you live. But based on Energy Saving Trust estimates, a typical household with a 3.5 kilowatt-peak (kWp) system can save between £170 and £440 per year on energy bills. Plus, under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme, you can still be paid for any unused solar energy you ‘export’ to the national grid to the tune of up to £110 per year. In the current energy climate, those numbers are tempting.

Is the UK sunny enough for solar panels?

Yes, it is! The UK has more than enough sunlight for solar panels. It actually gets the same amount of solar energy as certain areas in Spain or France.

It’s all down to daylight, not the hours of sunshine. You don’t necessarily need direct sunlight hitting the solar panels for them to work. Solar panels use light to produce electricity, not heat. Even though they obviously produce more power on a sunny day, they can still produce a considerable amount of energy even when it’s cloudy.

Wind and snow aren’t necessarily bad news either. Wind can actually be beneficial for solar panels as it can serve as a cooling mechanism, making them more efficient.

A light flurry of snow will easily melt with residue heat from the solar panels, although a heavy snowfall will prevent the panel from working to its full potential.

If you’re considering switching to renewable energy, solar panels and home energy storage are well worth further investigation. You can find out more about the SEG scheme from the www.gov.uk website, and the Energy Savings Trust has a comprehensive guide for solar energy via www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/ solar-panels

For more details, contact Tim Painter at Smart energi Tel: 01978 437 117 E: enquiries@smartenergi.co.uk www.smartenergi.co.uk

01248 295 015

Boost Your Hearing Aid Success

By OLIVIA AUSTIN, Clinical Audiologist While some hearing aid wearers are elated at the small size of modern-day hearing aids, if you have challenges with dexterity or vision, you may instead have concerns about the practicality of their use.

Dexterity challenges can occur with multiple health issues, including arthritis, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and carpel tunnel. Someone with weaker grasp and reduced sensitivity in their fingers might have a hard time using a hearing aid to its full capacity, making essential tasks like inserting/removing the hearing aid and changing the batteries a struggle.

It is common that a prospective wearer’s concerns about their ability to perform these tasks can stand in the way of them initially seeking help about their hearing issues and can often be the route cause behind a wearer discontinuing use with hearing aids, that otherwise work perfectly well to improve their hearing.

Behind the ear hearing aids First released on the rechargeable hearing aid front were the ‘behind the ear’ style versions of hearing aids, geared towards practicality related to battery use. No more batteries to fumble with, they incorporate the reputable lithium-ion battery technology, and therefore you get the convenience of hearing aids which charge overnight and wonder no further if your hearing aids will run out of power at an inopportune time.

Issues with batteries solved, however,

guiding the behind the ear piece to sit on top of the ear could still present a problem for some wearers.

In the ear hearing aids Custom moulded ‘In the ear’ style devices have long been the audiologist’s go-to recommendation for ease of insertion and removal from the ear and so we had long been awaiting the introduction of a both custom and rechargeable hearing aid product. Enter Starkey Livio Edge custom rechargeable hearing aids. Starkey, already known for being one of the first hearing aid manufacturers to use artificial intelligence in their hearing aids, were also first known to bring out a rechargeable hearing aid in the custom-made in-the-ear version.

Custom-made devices come with added benefits. Their shaping, unique to the wearer's ear, offers a comfortable all-day wear, and the removal of the behind the ear part of the device means they are easier to take in and out if wearing a face mask.

This is one of the most innovative advances in hearing aid technology since the release of Bluetooth compatible devices. Custom rechargeable aids are a great solution for those looking for something practical to handle, but still discreet.

For more details, contact clinical audiologist Olivia Austin at Integrate Hearing Tel: 01978 799387 E: info@integratehearing.co.uk

Ear Wax Removal & Hearing Aids

Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Helping you lead a healthy active life

HOME OR CLINIC VISITS Are your ears feeling blocked? Do you have hearing loss or tinnitus? Microsuction ear wax removal and invisible hearing aids by qualified audiologist Olivia Austin. in partnership with

Tel: 01978 799387 E: info@integratehearing.co.uk Schwarz Opticians, Charles Street, Wrexham LL13 8BT

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Physiotherapy Podiatry Sports injuries Phil Cabral Exercise therapy HOME & OFFSITE Hydrotherapy VISITS AVAILABLE Orthotics Biomechanical gait analysis

Darland House, Chester Road, Rossett, LL12 0DL

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Stress Awareness

By HELEN CONWAY Stress is something almost everyone will experience at some time, but being able to manage our stress levels is crucial for good health. Stress can impact our health, physically, mentally and emotionally, and over time, if not managed properly, can cause anxiety and depression, cause difficulty in sleeping, high blood pressure, heart disease and more.

According to Mental Health Foundation’s 2018 study, 74% of people have felt so stressed they have been overwhelmed or unable to cope.

And over the past couple of years, and with a rapidly rising cost of living, it’s never been more important to look after ourselves.

There are many practices proven to reduce the negative impact of stress, although there is no one size fits all approach.

Reduce stress triggers If possible, try to become aware of what tends to trigger your stress levels. Once you are aware of the triggers, you can start to put measures in place to tackle them.

Breathing exercises It only takes a few minutes to pause to focus on your breath. Becoming aware of the breath, allowing the shoulders and jaw to soften as you exhale, balancing the length of the inhale to the exhale, and using simple visualisations will all help to relieve tension and reduce stress.

Pilates and yoga are both very useful to help to develop good breathing practices.

Laugh more!

It may sound like an impossible ask when things seem difficult, but finding a reason to laugh more can be really helpful in reducing stress levels. Laughter decreases stress-making hormones including cortisol and epinephrine. Laughter lifts mood and promotes relaxation.

Talk If you are struggling to manage your stress, please seek professional help. There are many organisations, including your GP, who can help.

Exercise Activity raises endorphin levels in the body, creating a sense of upliftment, reducing anxiety, promoting good sleep, and increasing energy.

If a hardcore spin class isn’t your cup of tea, get out into nature for a brisk walk.

EssentialsMAG fitness contributor is Helen Conway from Bodywork-Pilates Ltd www.bodywork-pilates.co.uk Tel: 01978 512401

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Your Local Independent Opticians with over 30 years of experience

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MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!

Dates for your Diary MONDAY 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 MAY

THURSDAY 5 MAY

6 - 7 MAY

Weekly Outdoor Market Queen’s Square, Wrexham LL11 1AT

BioBlitz Volunteer Day Plas Power Woods, Bersham, Wrexham

Weekly outdoor market selling fruit and veg, food, crafts, clothes, bags, plants and more.

Join Ramblers Cymru on an exciting volunteer morning, where you'll discover some of the amazing nature in your area. Meet new people and help us record some of the incredible wildlife in Plas Power Woods.

Malpas Fabric Arts Group Exhibition Whitchurch Civic Centre, High Street, Whitchurch SY13 1AX

9am - 4pm Free

TUE 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 MAY

Wrexham Community Choir Tŷ Pawb, Market Street, Wrexham LL13 8BB Weekly choir singing sessions at Wrexham’s cultural centre Tŷ Pawb. No experience is required and is open to all. There are no auditions, no solos and no need to read music.

7:30pm - 9pm info@wrexhamchoir.co.uk

10am - 12pm Free heather.martin @ramblers.org.uk

FOCUS Wales was established to provide the annual new music showcase event for the Welsh music industry. An international multi-venue showcase festival taking place in Wrexham - a jam-packed weekend of events, showcasing 250+ artists.

Tickets from £5.00 focuswales.com

10am - 6pm £3.00 Tel: 07754 703040

SATURDAY 7 MAY THURSDAY 5 MAY

WrexSTEM Social Wynnstay Arms Hotel, Yorke Street LL13 8LP Fun social gathering for Wrexham’s STEM geeks.

7:30pm - 10pm Facebook: 358927582913410

5 - 7 MAY

FOCUS Wales 2022 Wrexham

Exhibition of all styles of traditional and modern patchwork quilts. Seating and refreshments will be available, together with a tombola and sales table.

FRIDAY 6 MAY

Gresford Luncheon Club Mersey Ferry Trip Gresford - Liverpool Join us for a five hour cruise round Latchford Locks. Leaving Gresford by coach at 9am to Woodside Ferry, then returning after the cruise. Come and have fun and meet new friends.

9am £55.00 blackbb1927@outlook.com

North Wales Vegan Festival Plas Coch Sports Centre, Mold Road, Wrexham LL11 2AW 70+ fantastic stalls, world food caterers, exciting cookery demos, talks, interactive workshops.

10:30am - 4:30pm £4.00 veganeventsuk@gmail.com

SATURDAY 14 MAY

Llangollen Garden Railway Festival Abbey Road, Llangollen LL20 8SN Over 50 traders showcasing everything you will ever require for your train set hobby.

10am - 4:30pm £10.00 - children free

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.

SATURDAY 14 MAY

Chester Craft Beer Fest The Carriage Shed, City Place, Chester CH1 3DR 100 different beers from the best breweries in the UK and beyond, plus awesome street food, music, cocktails and gin.

11:30am - 9pm £12.50 eventbrite.co.uk

WEDNESDAY 18 MAY

Plant Sale Christ Church Rossett, Station Road, Rossett, Wrexham LL12 0GD Plant Sale with homemade cakes, refreshments and raffle. In the Church Room, church car park. All proceeds to Christ Church Rossett.

2pm Free Tel: 01244 570242

WEDNESDAY 18 MAY

Pulford & Poulton Local History Group Pulford Village Hall, Pulford CH4 9EU Annual General Meeting followed by a talk on the 'History of Gresford' by Clive Colclough.

Refreshments served.

7pm £2.00 members / £3.00 non pplhg.org.uk

For a comprehensive list of local events, shows, groups and classes please visit:

essentialsmag.co.uk/whatson SATURDAY 21 MAY

SATURDAY 28 MAY

Wrexham Makers Market Tŷ Pawb, Market Street, Wrexham LL13 8BB

Chirk Carnival Chirk Recreation Field, Chirk LL14 5EY

Showcasing the most exciting contemporary, affordable art and craft in North Wales and beyond.

Featuring a wide range of activities, music and live entertainment suitable for the whole family.

10am - 4pm Free

10am - 6pm £2.00 - £5.00 chirkcarnival.co.uk

SATURDAY 21 MAY

Wrexham Vegan Market Queen’s Square, Wrexham LL11 1AT A selection of vegan street food, artisan bakers, craft brewers, ethical jewellers, small-batch soapers, local artists + loads more.

10:30am - 4pm Free veganmarkets.co.uk

29 MAY - 4 JUNE

Discover Sailing Week Gresford Sailing Club, The Flash, Old Wrexham Road, Gresford LL12 8TY Whether you’re completely new to the sport or looking to get back on the water, this is the opportunity to give it a go. Pop down and pay us a visit! Visit website for the full itinerary. gresfordsailingclub.com

FRIDAY 27 MAY

TEMPS Out of School Club Registration Rofft School, Marford, Wrexham LL12 8LA An invite to all new parents to visit TEMPS Out of School Club and register.

2:30pm - 4:30pm tempsrofft@gmail.com

Share your events with us - it’s FREE! Let us know your events taking place While effort has been nextevery month so we made to ensure all the details can feature them. are correct at the time of going to print, it is advisable essentialsmag.co.uk to check details with the /whatson venue concerned.

Spring Time Energy Boost

By MELANIE BURGESS Spring has arrived! Trees and plants are using all of the energy they have been storing over the winter months to come back to life with buds, leaves and flowers starting to make their appearance and lift our spirits. And with the restrictions of the last couple of years being eased, life is beginning to feel a bit more ‘normal’.

However, lots of people are telling me they feel like they have no energy or get up and go, and that they are struggling to find motivation to do anything. Perhaps it is not only the plants and the trees that need extra energy to pull us from the darkness of winter towards the light of Spring.

Whatever the reason for low levels of energy, as always, Bach Flower remedies are on hand to give us the boost we need!

Which remedies do you need?

As with all negative emotions, there are a number of remedies that could help. You need to know the root cause of the emotion to choose the correct one.

Remedies for low energy levels: Hornbeam Hornbeam is for those times where it feels like an effort to get through the day but we don’t know why, i.e when you have that ‘Monday morning’ feeling. You may feel bored with your work, it is tedious and unfulfilling and you just can’t be bothered. Hornbeam will help you to feel revitalised and motivated to get things done.

Olive Olive is for those who feel extreme exhaustion, have no more strength after a great effort such as trauma, physical exertion or illness such as Long Covid, and need physical and mental renewal. Olive will help you to feel rested and give you a zest for life again.

Wild Rose Wild Rose is for when you feel there is no point in trying to improve life anymore, nothing is going to change, your get up and go has gone. Taking Wild Rose will give you renewed enthusiasm and vitality and leave you feeling refreshed and recharged.

Gorse Gorse is for hopelessness, when you feel totally disheartened and there is no hope.

Gorse will give you the sunshine of renewed hope.

Whatever you are experiencing, Bach Flower remedies can help you to shift those negative feelings and lift your energy levels so you can appreciate the joys of Spring and life again.

Please get in touch to book a consultation to discuss how Bach Flower remedies could help you.

For more details, contact Melanie Burgess at Daisy Holistics Tel: 07970 758811 E: daisyholistics@gmail.com Facebook: @daisyholistics

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How to Save Energy at Home With a hike in prices and a big chunk of family budgets being spent on energy bills, it makes sense to look for ways to reduce the amount of gas and electricity you use.

Here are some simple energy-saving tips that will help you save gas and electricity at home.

Don’t boil water in a pan Use your kettle, and then pour it into the pan – it uses far less energy than heating from cold, and just use enough water to cover what you’re cooking.

Opt for a shower, not a bath According to the Energy Saving Trust, if everyone in a family of four swapped one bath a week for a five-minute shower, it would save on their gas bill. And if you spend a minute less in the shower, then you could save additional money every year.

Remember your just-boiled kettle How many times have you boiled the kettle and walked away, only to come back five minutes later to boil it again? Another good way to save energy is to only fill the kettle with the amount of water you need.

Wash at 30° Today’s washing detergents are very effective at 30 degrees, so try to avoid washing laundry on a higher setting. Wait until you have a full load too – that saves on water as well as energy. Use an eco-wash setting if you can.

Use energy-saving light bulbs Changing all your light bulbs to LED bulbs could cut your energy usage by 20%.

Turn down your thermostat Turning your heating down by just one degree. Also, check whether heat could be leaving your home through gaps. Seal cracks in floors and skirting boards, line your letterbox and block an unused chimney to reduce your heating bills.

Thick curtains, draught excluders or draught-proofing kits will also help to keep the heat in.

Make life easy for your fridge Clean around the back of your fridge, as dusty coils can make it work harder. Don’t overfill your fridge and try not to leave the door open.

Be smart about the washing up You can save money by washing up in a bowl rather than using a running tap. If you use a dishwasher, fill it completely before you put it on.

Monitor your usage Installing a Smart Meter lets you track your consumption with accurate and real time information. Keeping a watchful eye on your consumption levels can help you decide if and when you have to change the way you use energy.

For further information and advice to help you save money on your bills visit: energysavingtrust.org.uk

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BRHS - Burton Rossett Horticultural Society Gardening News

By EssentialsMAG gardening contributor CAROL EDWARDS May is here at last and in the garden there is much to do, the days are longer now and the weather has improved, so we have more jobs to do. On the plus side though the birdsong is really beautiful and I often wake up to it which is lovely.

Now is a good time to improve the condition of your soil, simply by giving it a good mulch. I find that compost is a good thing to use, either home-made or from the garden centre. This is quite an easy thing to do, and it does improve the plants as well as looking good. Remember to hoe regularly too to keep the weeds down.

At this time of the year slugs are a problem.

With young and tender plants especially, it is a good idea to sow seeds in modules before you plant them out as this gives them time to grow on before you set them out. There are several things you can use, wildlife and pet friendly slug pellets are useful, and of course nematodes which come in powder form ready to dilute and water on the plants themselves. I have used these myself and had good results, however it does not work on snails which is a nuisance.

The butterflies are lovely too but, beware the cabbage white as it lays its eggs on the leaves of cabbages and as they grow they eat them. You can erect a mesh barrier to prevent this, but please remember to peg down the edges to prevent any birds becoming trapped!

Yesterday, while my youngest son and I were checking some pots, we found some vine weevil grubs. Luckily I had a liquid treatment in the greenhouse so we watered it in and took care of that.

If you notice that any plants or shrubs in containers are not growing, always check the soil as vine weevil grubs eat the roots and prevent them growing.

In the spring it is a good thing to remove the top two inches of soil from your containers and replace it with fresh to keep it growing well. Also if you have any recently planted trees give them some water as they soon dry out.

And of course don’t forget to enjoy your gardens!

Information provided by: www.brhs.org.uk

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Local Birds and Wildlife News

By REVEREND HUGH LINN Last month a pair of Mandarin ducks were seen on different dates at three local sites – Gresford Flash, Gresford Lake and Llay Pool. It is likely these were the same birds visiting local waters either to feed and rest or prospecting for possible nest sites.

Mandarins were originally introduced to the British Isles from China as ornamental wildfowl. Male Mandarins are certainly strong contenders to be rated our most striking and colourful birds.

Many years ago my first sighting of a local Mandarin came as quite a surprise - it was a drake sitting on a chimney pot at Eccleston Rectory. I was told that bird was likely to be descended from escapees once belonging to a nearby wildfowl collection which, having found freedom in the wild, formed a small flock that settled along the River Dee and nearby in Eaton Park where nest boxes had been provided for owls.

In the wild Mandarins nest in tree holes, sometimes at a considerable height, so when the young fledge the female has to persuade them to leave the nest and leap into space!

Between 2012 and 2015 a pair of Mandarins (possibly the same birds as those seen recently) took up residence on Gresford Lake. They became popular tourist attractions and attracted many visitors.

In June 2018 a female Mandarin was seen on Gresford Flash accompanied by a brood of little ducklings. Earlier this year a North

MANDARIN DRAKE

MALE WOOD DUCK

American Wood Duck, also known as a Carolina Duck (a colourful relative of the Mandarin though differently and more darkly marked), was also seen at Llay Pool.

That may well have been the bird that had been observed during the winter at a wellwatched pool in Ruthin.

Llay Pool is home to a number of wetland birds. Lapwings, Coots, Moorhens and Little Ringed Plovers have bred there over many years. Oystercatchers, Arctic and Common Terns and a number of ducks including Pintails and Shovelers are regular passage migrants. Current residents include Canada and Greylag Geese and a pair of Mute Swans. I saw my first 2022 Swallow there on 7th April.

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All Saints’ School, Gresford Latest News

The Spring Term was certainly a busy one at All Saints' School, Gresford. Our pupils have been working very hard across all classes on their various units of study with pupils engaging in school visits, such as our Nursery pupils to Erddig. The F1 in Schools project has been a huge success and we look forward to the regional finals. We have also held our recent Eisteddfod with high standards of Welsh being presented from all year groups!

Improvement works have continued across the school with the installation of our brand new polytunnel greenhouse and allotments. These developments have been kindly supported by SG Estates and the Thomas Howell Foundation for North Wales. We look forward to the Autumn harvest seeing all of our home grown produce!

Pupils have benefitted from new bike and scooter storage following winning £2,000 from the Rees Jeffreys Road Fund; this development has supported our Active Journeys work and resulted in us achieving the bronze award for sustainable school travel. Inside the school, the canteen and

main hall have been re-decorated, and a new pupil kitchen being installed in Year 1/2. This work was kindly supported by TC Transcontinental.

The school remains at the fore of curricular developments being featured in several recognised journals and with staff contributing to the Religion, Values and Ethics developments with the Church in Wales. In other areas, the school continues as a regional lead for the Mathematics Area of Learning and Experience and has contributed to a new handbook for teachers to support teaching sustainability which is about to be published! We are also currently working on developing an exciting link with Montserrat in the Caribbean!

We are looking forward to welcoming our new Reception and Nursery pupils to school in September and do have limited places available in other year groups.

Please get in touch if you would like to visit our school to see the exciting developments first hand! mailbox@allsaints-pri.wrexham.sch.uk

Ysgol yr Holl Saint - All Saints’ School, School Hill, Gresford, Wrexham LL12 8RW Tel: 01978852342, Email: mailbox@allsaints-pri.wrexham.sch.uk

All Saints’ 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

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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 2022 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.

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The Drawing Board Community Art Gallery The Drawing Board is a community art gallery with studios and workshops based on Lord Street in the centre of Wrexham.

It was formed as a Community Interest Company (CIC) in early 2020 to showcase and promote local art and craft.

Last year the premises were completely refurbished creating a bright, modern gallery space with a large open space upstairs which has been converted into three studios, all of which are occupied.

The art and craft exhibited at The Drawing Board is the work of local artists and makers. There is a wide range of media from watercolours, acrylic and oils, to pencil drawing and photographs. Many of the handmade crafts are created from recycled materials, from reclaimed wood to steam punk jewellery made from recycled watches and gemstones.

The Drawing Board is also the area’s only stockist of Seren books, an independent Welsh publishing house specialising in books about Wales written in English, and books by Welsh authors.

Wrexham City of Culture The Drawing Board participated in the Wrexham City of Culture bid, by holding an awareness event in the gallery. Members of the public were invited to decorate a ‘football’, to show what Wrexham and culture means to them.

All the decorated shapes will be featured as bunting in the Drawing Board window display for the next exhibition beginning in May.

Exhibit your work The Drawing Board is keen to widen its pool of makers, especially ceramicists and glass makers. Anyone may submit art or craft work for exhibition, either as an individual or part of a group. There is no hanging, or display fees and any sales will attract 20% commission.

If you would like to be considered for exhibition space please email: contact@wrexhamdrawingboard.co.uk and request a submission form.

Become a volunteer The Drawing Board is run by volunteers and is always looking for new recruits.

If you enjoy meeting the public and have an interest in art maybe you would like to become a volunteer at the gallery?

Volunteering is usually one half-day a week.

If you are interested, please email: contact@wrexhamdrawingboard.co.uk The Drawing Board The town centre gallery is open every day from 10am to 4pm, except Wednesday and Sunday. You can find us at: 17 Lord Street, Wrexham LL11 1LS

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Sarah Atherton MP Member of Parliament for Wrexham I am so pleased that Wrexham Football Club has kick-started 2022 with a succession of triumphant wins that has landed them a place in the final at Wembley this month. I was pleased to attend the spectacular match against Dover earlier in April, so well done to everyone involved and the energetic Wrexham crowd who created an unforgettable atmosphere.

Fingers crossed for May 22nd!

I am eager to share that in March, through my office’s grant finder service, we have facilitated more than £3,000 worth of grants for local charities. To date, my office has supported over £230,000 in grant assistance for local charities. If you are a local organisation that would benefit from grants funding, please do get in touch.

One organisation that has benefited from grants funding, is the tranquil Erlas Victorian Walled Garden, which I had the pleasure of visiting again before Easter.

The funding from the Queen’s Jubilee Grant will finance a new sensory-based Jubilee Garden designed to support those with learning disabilities.

events for ‘Falklands Forty’, the Falklands Islands Government, is running a competition to win the trip of a lifetime!

This competition offers eight places to students in the UK aged between 16 and 18 to win a trip to the Falkland Islands, to explore the Islands, and meet its residents, including 3,200 people, 1,000,000 penguins, and 450,000 sheep! To enter, students need to answer the following question: “What do the Falkland Islands mean to you?”. There is a page on my website with further details of the competition.

Due to my work supporting female service personnel and the Police’s Safer Streets initiative, I visited DASU in King Street to meet the hardworking team and explore the services they offer to support women, men and children suffering abuse. My admiration goes to all who are involved in the work undertaken by this vitally needed charity.

If there is anything I can do to assist, please do not hesitate to make contact on sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk

Since Wrexham plays host to Wales’s celebration of Armed Forces Day this year, I want to highlight a competition aimed at commemorating 40 years since the Falklands War, where the Welsh Guards played a key role in liberating the Islands.

At the start of April, I had the pleasure of meeting with Leona Roberts MLA, Member of the Falklands Islands Government Legislative Assembly. Leona’s portfolio includes education, and as part of the Tel: 020 7217 4885 / 01978 291742 sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk www.sarahatherton.org.uk

Tell HMRC What You Think Participants are needed for research with HMRC. If you are 68 years old, or above, and complete a self-assessment tax return, you might be just the person we are looking to hear from.

We want to showcase a new income tax service and find out what you think.

Especially if you struggle to use technology, such as laptops or mobile phones, and have difficulty using online services on your own.

To take part in the research, you need to: • Earn over £10,000 a year from selfemployment or property rental income • Complete your end of year tax return yourself (you don’t use an accountant) • Be expecting to complete a tax return after 2024 (you’re not looking to retire in the next 3-4 years) • Be available to interview between 10th-20th May 2022.

Incentives If you can answer yes to the above and you go on to take part in our research, you will be given £80 in High Street vouchers for your time and opinions on the new tax service. We will interview you in person at a time and location to suit you, to show you what the new service looks like online.

We are only looking for your thoughts and opinions and how this will impact you.

Anonymity All our research is carried out anonymously. We won’t share your name, address or tax details with HMRC and only tell them what you think about the service.

Getting in touch If you feel you are the right person for this research project, please contact us at: Research Operations at HMRC Call: 03000 513300 (Office Hours 9am - 4pm Monday - Friday) Email: louise.rowlands@digital.hmrc.co.uk

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Lesley Griffiths MS Member of the Senedd for Wrexham As Coronavirus protections have gradually relaxed, it has been a pleasure to get out and about in the constituency to visit people face-to-face once again.

Congratulations to the team at Calon FM who recently celebrated the official opening of their new studios. As a longtime supporter of the community radio station, I know it has been an extremely difficult couple of years. The future looked bleak but the team, which is mainly made up of volunteers, has done an incredible job rebuilding the station. I am so pleased Calon FM was able to secure £25,000 via the Welsh Government’s Community Facilities Programme to help construct their new high-tech studios at the Wrexham Enterprise Hub. I wrote letters of support backing their cause and I know a number of local ventures and organisations have received funding via the Communities Facilities Programme, such as Gresford Community Library and Maes-y-Pant. If anyone is interested in finding out more, please contact me via the details below.

Members of the local community have contacted me in recent months expressing their concerns regarding the lack of facilities on and around the Wrexham Industrial Estate for HGV drivers. The situation isn’t ideal for the drivers or local residents so I have worked with Wrexham Council to explore possible solutions.

I recently went on a fact-finding mission to Formula Premier Truck Stop in Ellesmere Port, along with representatives from the Local Authority. The tour was interesting and informative and I believe the facilities

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.

in Ellesmere Port would be ideal for the Industrial Estate. I will continue to work with the relevant bodies and hope to help to bring about these improvements, which are certainly needed.

Based on the Wrexham Industrial Estate, Air Covers is a world-leading manufacturer of protective covers for aircraft. In recognition of the company’s year-on-year growth, the business was awarded the Queen’s Award for International Trade, the highest independent business accolade in the UK. It was a pleasure to attend the ceremony and I believe Air Covers are fully deserving of this prestigious award. I have closely followed their progress since they moved to Wrexham several years ago and I am proud a local business is manufacturing state-of-the-art products that are recognised and sought after all over the world.

Finally, I wish to congratulate once again the #Wrecsam2025 team and everyone who has backed the County’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2025. Fingers crossed there will be some more positive news when the overall winner is revealed this month!

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

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Alyn Family Doctors Latest News We have been continuing to work hard to tackle the tsunami of clinical need that has arisen following the pandemic.

Unfortunately, it is a sad fact that in healthcare, like any public sector, demand frequently outstrips supply and we can find ourselves constantly overwhelmed with the volume of workload despite our best efforts. We have also been hit by sickness leave in both our Admin and Clinical teams.

We have been extremely fortunate to work with Allied Health Professionals such as expert paramedics and seek out several regular Locum GPs who have been fantastic in helping us out and a real asset to the team. Please be patient and kind with our team.

Some of you may have had your clinical enquiries diverted by our Admin team to the Urgent Primary Care Centre based at the Wrexham Maelor. This service can offer same-day phone call assessment, and if necessary face-to-face reviews of acute presentations of illness such as sore throats, sinusitis, coughs, UTIs, skin infections, gout and shingles to name but a few.

Our receptionists can send a referral to the service when you ring the surgery. Many who have used this service have reported how efficient they have found it. Clinical information is reported to us overnight via an online link to ensure continuity of care.

The aim of this service is to hopefully free up GP time for presentation of more complex cases which require our unique expert generalist skillset.

This year, it is a mandatory Welsh Government requirement for GP surgeries to close one afternoon a month for training. With much training having been placed on hold during the pandemic, these will be vital opportunities for staff to refresh skills in triage and resuscitation amongst others. During these afternoons, we will only be able to deal with extremely urgent requests for assistance. Please call our usual number.

The training closures for your diary are: Thursday 19th May Thursday 16th June Thursday 7th July Thursday 18th August Thursday 15th September By the time you read this, we should be deep in the midst of the Spring Covid vaccination booster programme for those aged 75+.

If you have not yet received an invitation, or are still awaiting a first, second, or first booster, please get in touch.

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

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Financial News with Hadlow Edwards The Rising Cost of Living For the modern post war era, we really are in unprecedented times. Inflation is on the rise once again, household bills are escalating quickly, and oil and gas prices are reaching an all-time high.

The war in Ukraine is also adding to the difficulties as world economies are trying to recover from the global Covid pandemic.

Arguably, it has never been more important to ensure that our savings and investments are working as hard as they can to offset against the rising cost of living.

Interest rates remain at a historical low, meaning that money held in cash

PrinciPal Partner Practice of St. JameS'S Place Wealth management

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

accounts with banks and building societies are currently rising at a level below the rate of inflation. What does this mean? In basic terms, it means that this money, at this moment, is going down in value year upon year.

For example, if we use the sum of £50,000, and this £50,000 were to rise at 2.5% below the rate of inflation, then a projected estimate of this £50,000 after five years is now only worth £44,747. If this figure was 5% below inflation (which is more realistic with monies currently held in cash accounts), then this £50,000 is now worth only £35,833 after five years. That is £14,177 that your cash has gone down in value over the five years – ouch!

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.

In March 2022, figures from the Office for National Statistics declared that the UK inflation rate was at 7%. It’s getting harder for cash accounts to keep pace with this inflation rate and, to repeat the above statement, it has never been more important to ensure that our cash and investments are working as hard as they can.

It’s not all doom and gloom though!

There is the potential to address the rising inflation rates that your cash is being subjected to. With the new tax year upon us, tax allowances have reset and the ability to invest into ISAs and pensions, to name a couple of investment examples, are ways our

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

money could keep pace with these rising costs.

If you are interested in finding out more, please contact me on 01978 311611, or via email Warren.Hadlow@sjpp.co.uk The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select, and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested.

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Less is More

By EssentialsMAG environment contributor ROB RENOUF With the arrival of spring, many of us are spending more time doing jobs outside.

However, with gardens, the best thing for the environment can be to do less.

Lawns May is a really important month for pollinators and we can help them by participating in No Mow May and not cutting our grass. Allowing flowers like daisies and clover to bloom can provide ten times more nectar for bees and other pollinators.

Four weeks between cuts on an ongoing basis should maximise nectar output; leaving grass for even longer can encourage more diverse plants that support a wider range of pollinators.

Wasps Most people know that bees are important pollinators, but there’s less awareness that wasps are too. As predators, wasps also help control populations of other insects.

On discovering a wasp nest, a common reaction is to get rid of it as quickly as possible. However, unless it’s presenting a danger, leaving it alone is beneficial.

Cold weather and lack of food mean that nests won’t normally survive winter, so they’re unlikely to remain active on an ongoing basis. Having lived with a wasp nest for a summer, I can report that we really weren’t bothered by them at all.

Slugs and snails Gastropods are disliked by many gardeners, but the Royal Horticultural Society recently said that it no longer considers them pests and wants to educate people about their benefits. Only nine of the 44 species of slugs and snails in the UK actually eat garden plants. Gastropods play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and provide food for many creatures such as hedgehogs and birds.

The UK hedgehog population is estimated to have reduced by as much as 75% in the last 20 years and many species of birds are also struggling, so they need our help.

Chemicals Any pesticides and herbicides used in our garden will not only destroy part of the ecosystem; they’re also likely to harm other creatures that rely on those animals or plants for food. If we have a garden we can make a positive impact through really simple things like mowing the grass less often and welcoming wildlife rather than poisoning it.

Doing the best thing for the planet isn’t necessarily difficult or expensive - in our gardens we can do less work, save money by not using toxic chemicals and in return we’ll be able to enjoy more wildlife.

EssentialsMAG environment contributor is Rob Renouf robsrenouf@gmail.com

Photograph courtesy of Guide Dogs UK

Working Animals

By KAREN VOLGER For centuries, working animals were a familiar part of daily life in Britain’s streets, fields and workplaces. Working animals included plough horses and oxen, pit ponies, carriage and tram horses, dray horses and war horses. In addition to horses, dogs were trained to work and have been invaluable on farms and are also commonly used for police operations, detection of explosives and drugs, searchand-rescue and of course in the military.

Service and assistance animals are working animals that have been trained to perform tasks to assist disabled people, with the most common being Guide dogs who are specially trained to support blind and visually impaired people. As well as Guide dogs, dogs have been trained to assist in the following ways: • Hearing dogs – to assist those with hearing loss.

• Seizure alert and response dogs - dogs which are trained to recognise when their handler is about to have a seizure and can call for help and position themselves to protect them during the episode.

• Allergy detection dogs - are trained to alert their handler if they smell anything that could cause them to suffer from a potential reaction, ensuring that they avoid contact with it.

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• Diabetic alert dogs - are trained to pick up on scent changes in blood glucose levels and then alert their owners when their blood sugar is too high or low.

• Mobility assistance dogs – these dogs offer an invaluable service to those with mobility impairments, assisting with tasks including everything from opening doors, turning on lights, pressing buttons and can also be taught to fetch items for their handlers.

• Autism service dogs - people with autism can have difficulty navigating social settings and often, an autism service dog can be a great help and a great friend.

• Therapy dogs - are trained to go out to locations such as hospitals, hospices, schools, nursing homes and mental health facilities and offer comfort and companionship.

• Emotional support animals - can provide companionship and emotional support for those suffering from mental health disorders such as PTSD, anxiety or depression. Dogs are the most common type of emotional support animal, but cats are quite common as well.

Stay safe and healthy! Always remember to consult your Vet if you have any concerns about your pet!

EssentialsMAG pet care contributor is Karen Volger, from DoggyBizzNizz www.facebook.com/doggybizznizz Mobile: 07488 270386 e-mail: karen@doggybizznizz.com

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Legal Advice The financial impact of COVID-19 has brought an influx of compensation claims.

The financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is wide-ranging, hitting almost every sector from private enterprise through to local authorities, and of course, individuals.

But perhaps an unforeseen consequence of the pandemic is the marked increase in compensation claims currently being seen by law firms.

risk of danger to road users, and to pedestrians. Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 roads must be reasonably safe for users. In most cases, it is the responsibility of the local highways authority to ensure that public roads are maintained to a proper standard.

The authority must also have in place a proper system of inspection and maintenance.

Contracts have become outdated or never did cater in the first place for the adverse conditions that Covid-19 has brought. This has resulted in employee and customer disputes that in many cases involve the victims seeking compensation. It has also brought an influx of enquiries for the review of contracts and other legal documentation.

Unfortunately, if an accident occurs because a driver or pedestrian has been unable to read the road properly due to inadequate visible warnings, the chances are that their insurance company will place the blame at their door.

At best they might settle with another party on a knock-for-knock basis. This could leave injured parties out of pocket in a variety of ways, from loss of their no-claims bonus to having to pay for private medical treatment such as physiotherapy.

In the public sector, one of the more surprising effects of the financial squeeze is road traffic accidents due to highways being poorly maintained by cash-strapped local authorities; the most common problem being faded road markings and overgrown hedges and trees that obscure signage. We all rely on road markings and hazard signs to guide us on the roads, particularly when we are driving in unfamiliar areas. Where road markings and signs are not clear, this presents an obvious

If an accident has occurred due to poor road maintenance, the victims may be entitled to compensation from the local authority.

To prove negligence, documentation would need to be acquired from the highway authority in respect of inspection, maintenance, and repair records. Claims such as this are, however, not always straightforward, so it is imperative that victims seek advice from a local solicitor with experience in this type of claim.

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

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

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

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

COUNCILS Cheshire West & Chester Wrexham

0300 123 8 123 01978 292 000

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

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

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

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

OPTICIANS Gresford Eyecare

01978 855 828

HOSPITALS Countess of Chester Wrexham Maelor

01244 365 000 01978 291 100

LEISURE CENTRES Gwyn Evans Northgate Arena Plas Madoc

01978 269 540 01244 380444 01978 821 600

LOCAL FACILITIES 3C Pest Control Adult Social Services Citizens Advice Foodbank - Chester Foodbank - Wrexham Recycling Centre - Chester Recycling Centre - Tattenhall Recycling Centre - Whitchurch Recycling Centre - Wrexham Samaritans

01948 838 111 01978 292 066 0300 330 1178 0151 355 7730 07538 547971 01244 372 764 01829 771 337 0345 678 9007 01978 292 000 116 123

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

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

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

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

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

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

01244 332 077 01978 852 342 01244 676 199 01948 860 571 01829 272 277 01244 570 588 01244 661 611 01244 662 990 01244 981 000 01244 981 280 07523 398 880 01829 270 021 07496 231 275 01244 678 997 01978 314 912 07947 473857 01978 340 840 01244 571 872 01978 661 556 01244 570 594 01829 250 285 01244 981 600 01978 853 946 01244 689 500 01948 830 291 01244 312 078 01978 853 116 01244 577 948 01978 720 700

TRAVEL National Rail Enquiries Traveline

03457 48 49 50 0871 200 22 33

HSM Property Services We are experienced tradesmen who can provide a variety of general maintenance and electrical services around your home or business, including:

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Puzzle Page...

Just For Fun Crossword ACROSS 1 9 10 11 12 13 16 18 21 22 23 24

Great upheavals (11) Adult insect stage (5) Type of viper (3) Protective garment (5) Consumed (5) Shows (8) Sample for medical testing (8) Implied (5) Settle for sleep (of birds) (5) Of recent origin (3) Appear suddenly (3,2) Serving to enlighten; instructive (11)

DOWN 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 14 15 17 19 20

Speech; where you live (7) Shine like a star (7) Deep pit (6) Worship; venerate (5) Praise highly (5) Stealthy (11) Dogmatic (11) Sign of the zodiac (7) Pungent gas (7) Marionette (6) Intimidated and weakened (5) Theme for a discussion (5)

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

Here are the answers from April:

Classic Sudoku

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