EssentialsMAG October 2023 - North Wrexham/Cheshire Magazine

Welcome...

Cover Image: Falling Autumn leaves

November Deadlines:

Editorial - 6th October

Advertising - 13th October

As the crisp October breeze sweeps through our region, I welcome you to another edition of EssentialsMAG. Autumn has arrived, which is a great time to get outside and enjoy the breathtaking palette of reds, yellows, and oranges - whether you like hiking, taking a walk in the park, or just sitting and admiring the view.

October is more than just cosy jumpers, pumpkin spice lattes and falling leaves; it's a time when the ordinary becomes delightfully spooky on Halloween - a night filled with eerie laughter and trick or treat buckets brimming with sweets!

Personally, at the end of the month, I am looking forward to gaining an extra hour of precious time (asleep!) when the clocks go back.

So, grab a warm drink, curl up with our magazine, and join me in celebrating the vibrant colours of October in our wonderful community.

As always, I welcome your feedback, ideas, and contributions.

Enjoy the read!

All the best, Vicky Heathfield

EMAIL: vicky@essentialsmag.co.uk

CALL: 01978 855459

www.essentialsmag.co.uk

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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 2023.

Wrexham Prostate Cancer Support Group

One in eight men will get prostate cancer. If you’re over 50, or you’re black, or your dad or brother had it, you’re at even higher risk. The Wrexham Prostate Cancer Support Group takes pride in the raising of public awareness of prostate cancer and provides support to those who have the disease, or merely suspect that they may have symptoms. The friendly group meets on the first Wednesday of each month, at 7pm in The Trevor Arms, Marford. Guests and new members are most welcome, together with their partners.

If you would like further details, please call Phil on: 07525 824679, or Mal: 07704 407633.

@auraartgirl

Holt wins Gold!

The results of the Britain in Bloom 2023 competition were announced on 8th September at an awards ceremony in Denbigh, and the village of Holt was awarded a ‘Gold’ for their entry in the ‘Large Village’ category.

From Holt Community Gardeners, Bob Campbell, told us, “It has been a fantastic community effort in which our whole village can be proud and Holt Community Gardeners are delighted. There were also three areas in the village which had been entered into the ‘It's Your Neighbourhood’ scheme, and these attained equally high achievements.”

They now await the results of the Britain in Bloom 2023 competition which will be announced in London on 23rd October. Holt is one of three Welsh entrants.

Pam Griffiths was introduced to painting a few years ago, when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This year, she will be turning her Chrismasthemed paintings into professionally printed Christmas cards, with all profits donated to Alder Hay Children’s Hospital. The cards are just £1 each and can be ordered by calling: 07984 248350 or email: auraartist@outlook.com

@auraartgirl

Become

a Champion

On 19th and 20th November, our community will be coming together with a shared goal. For 36 hours, there will be an online fundraising marathon to raise the £550,000 needed to pay for all end-of-life care at Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith Children’s Hospices during 2024.

You can join as a ‘Champion’ and will be given everything you need to take part in this landmark fundraising event. The best part is, every £1 you help to raise will be matchfunded during the 36 hours!

Hope House Children’s Hospices aim to make sure that no one faces the death of their child alone. They support more than 750 local families who are either caring for a terminally ill child, or whose child has died.

It costs £7.5 million every year to run their services. Approximately two months’ income comes from statutory sources, and for the other 10 months of the year they are dependent on public support. The ambition is to raise an additional £2.5 million each year to make sure they reach every child, mum, dad, brother and sister who needs their help in this area.

So please sign up today to take part in ‘Final Moments Matter 2023’ and the fundraising team will be in touch to offer support and ideas, and invite you to the online launch party. Register online at: www.hopehouse.org.uk/fmm or call: 01691 671671.

Get Your Walking Boots on

Rossett Community Council are planning two guided walks to promote public footpaths in and around Rossett during the week of half-term. All are welcome to join in and discover the beauty and tranquillity of our countryside, amongst the company of friends.

Dates for your Diary: Saturday 28th October/Wednesday 1st November.

For further details, see local noticeboards, or visit: www.rossettcommunitycouncil.cymru or Facebook page: @rossettcommunitycounc.

Thankyou!

On 5th September, we held a coffee morning at The Golden Lion in Rossett. An amazing £572 was raised for the Rossett Food Cupboard. A big thank you to everyone who came along and supported the event!

Lesley Bennett

Hints and Tips for Strong Passwords

By EssentialsMAG tech contributor DAVID HUGHES

Robust passwords are essential to safeguard our online identities and sensitive data from cyber threats. Whether it’s your email account, social media profiles or online banking, a strong password serves as the first defence against potential hackers. Here are some tips for creating sturdy passwords:

Complexity: A strong password should be intricate and hard to guess. It should include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Go for random combinations that are unrelated to your personal information.

Length: Longer passwords are generally more secure. Aim for at least 12 characters or more. The longer your password, the more challenging it becomes for automated tools to crack through using brute-force attacks (using code to try thousands of passwords per second)

Uniqueness: This is difficult, but try to use unique passwords for each account. If one account is compromised, using the same password elsewhere would grant hackers access to all your accounts. Consider using a password manager. A password manager generates strong, unique passwords for each site you use and stores them encrypted in a vault. You only need to remember one master password to access all your passwords. This simplifies the process and reduces the risk of using weak passwords or repeating them across different accounts.

Phrases: Consider using pass phrases instead of passwords. Pass phrases are easier to make longer, should remain easy for you to remember, but are more difficult for others to guess. For example, “ReadingEssentials@Wrexham23” is much stronger than a single word password.

Impersonal: Do not use easily obtainable personal information, such as your name, birth date, or the names of family members or pets, in your password. This information is often publicly available on social media, making it easier for hackers to guess.

Change: It’s advisable to change your passwords periodically. Doing so reduces the risk of unauthorised access, even if a breach occurs and your password becomes compromised.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): I have written about MFA in a previous article. Enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security, requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password.

By following these hints and tips, you can significantly enhance your online security and minimise the risk of falling victim to cyber crime.

The River Alyn

By ROSSETT AND GRESFORD FLY FISHERS’ CLUB

As contributions to EssentialsMAG need to be submitted in August, there is little doubt that something may happen to the river between now and the end of September, usually caused by our weather. Not that we anticipate major flooding, an avalanche or a tsunami in North East Wales, but it would be most unusual if the odd weather this year hasn’t got another quirky condition to try us with.

At the start of the fishing season, we had the prospect of another blistering spring and summer, but mercifully, this never developed. Nationally, July has been the wettest ever recorded, but the Alyn catchment has been noticeably quite different. Most summer months we have one serious storm, which cleans out the rubbish lying on the river bed. But this July we have only had five very heavy showers that raised the water levels from Mold, but never once caused the river to flow over the swallow holes below Loggerheads.

Many anglers become environmentalists and naturalists. Water quality and the general health of the river corridor receives their attention. Natural Resources Wales, in conjunction with Welsh Water, have now issued their draft report on the Alyn, and as intimated in the last issue, the results show that the primary source of river phosphates come from the numerous sewage works. The agricultural phosphate content of the Alyn’s water is secondary, but may change dramatically as land usage changes. However, probably the most important

result from the report was the information concerning the volumes of water flowing down the catchment. From Rhydymwyn to the confluence with the Dee, the flow is affected by the water losses through the swallow holes. Water from above Loggerheads rarely flows beyond this point for more than 10 months of the year and when it does, it often comes down at such a pace that considerable damage is done to the river corridor habitat. A common belief has been that if the swallow holes could be blocked, the water quality of the lower reaches of the Alyn would be much improved. From this new research, it has been concluded that this would probably not be the case. What a shock!

The implications are simple. All sources of pollution must be reduced if the water quality is to improve and there may be a need to provide an additional source of cleaner water.

Post Script. On September 1st, Wrexham Litter Pickers, walking the Alyn in Wilderness Wood saw and reported a pipe pouring sewage into the Alyn. It was possibly due to the mechanical failure of Welsh Water equipment and was attended to by Natural Resources Wales.

Rossett and Gresford Fly Fishers’ Club was founded in 1906, making it one of the oldest (continuously functioning) fishing clubs in Wales. For membership details, or to try a ‘taster session’, visit their website: rossettandgresfordflyfishing.co.uk

Maelor Voluntary Service (MVS)

By JENNY GRIFFITHS, from MVS

“Two Toasts” ”Teacake” “Jacket Potato” These are calls you will often hear as you enter the main door at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital. These calls are from members of Maelor Voluntary Service (MVS) as they alert customers in Café 1 that their order is ready!

From delicious breakfasts to afternoon tea, volunteers serve hundreds of hospital staff, visitors and patients five days a week between 9am - 4pm.

The volunteers are supported by a small nucleus of paid staff as they provide food and drink to people who have travelled from all over North Wales to visit friends or relatives at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

For patients, being allowed to visit the Café from a ward proves you are getting better; for staff, it is a haven for a few minutes out of a busy day. Some customers are celebrating a new baby, while others may need to gather their thoughts before facing the future.

MVS has been working within the hospital for over 30 years. It was then that members of the Women's Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) decided to “go it alone”. They started their own charity to ensure that every penny raised by the proceeds of the cafés would ensure that vital medical equipment could be bought for use in the Maelor and nowhere else within the NHS.

Little could those first volunteers have realised that their charity would raise over

£2,500,000 for the hospital. This was before COVID reared its ugly head - when the cafés were closed until the pandemic was no longer considered a risk to those coming through the doors of the hospital.

The trustees and volunteers fought to keep the charity afloat during this time, through raising money in raffles and thanks to donations from many organisations and individuals in Wrexham, who realised how vital the cafés are to those who come through our doors.

MVS survived thanks to the people of Wrexham and the surrounding area.

Today, MVS is looking to the future with hope. Volunteers devote at least three hours per month to working in one of our three cafés. They can choose the bustle of Café 1, or the less intense surroundings of Café 2 or Orthopaedic.

With an age range of 16 - 80 years, everyone is vital to our efforts. Volunteers come from all walks of life, but have one thing in common - the generosity of spirit of all who give their time to help others.

And now the request! Should any reader of EssentialsMAG wish to join us as a volunteer, application forms are available from Café 1, or online on our website: www.mvswrexham.co.uk

G漀攀n漀s' Clubs

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01978 852342

playgroup@allsaints-pri.wrexham.sch.uk

www.gresfordallsaints.co.uk/wrap-around-care-1

REGISTERED FOR THE 30 HOUR CHILDCARE OFFER AND TAX FREE CHILDCARE

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

We are a forward thinking and innovative school, combining curriculum and teaching excellence with traditional values. Our school leads a number of national and local priorities, ensuring our pupils have every opportunity to succeed.

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

ysgol gynradd holt

wrap around

care available

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

Visit our website: www.holtcpschool.com

Dates for your Diary

EVERY MONDAY

Weekly Outdoor Market

Queen’s Square, Wrexham LL11 1AT

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

9am - 4pm Free

EVERY WEDNESDAY

Gresford Luncheon Club

Various locations

The group is aimed at the over 50s but we welcome anybody who needs company and friendship.

12:30pm

Tel: 07933 201731 (Beryl)

WED 4 OCTOBER

Wrexham Prostate Cancer Support Group

Trevor Arms, Marford Hill, Marford, Wrexham LL12 8TA

Wrexham Prostate Cancer Support Group takes pride in the raising of public awareness of prostate cancer and provides support to those who have prostate cancer or merely suspect that they may have symptoms.The group meet on the first Wednesday of the month. All welcome.

7pm Free

Tel: 07525 824679 (Phil)

FRI 6 OCTOBER

Wrexham Birdwatchers

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

Wrexham Birdwatchers’ October meeting, an illustrated talk on “Two Decades at Venus Pool” by Jim Almond. All welcome.

7:30pm

Tel: 01978 855266 (Trevor)

SAT 7 OCTOBER

RWF Fest

Hightown Barracks, Kingsmills Road, Wrexham LL13 8RD

An immersive in-person event filled with engaging presentations and behind the scenes exhibitions on WWI. A full day dedicated to commemorating and celebrating the unique history of The Royal Welch Fusiliers.

9:30am - 4pm

From £22.38

https://bit.ly/467SeJK

SAT 7 OCTOBER

Wrexham Street Market

Henblas Street, Wrexham LL13 8AE

Come and find lots of produce, crafts and goods from local traders.

10am - 4pm

SAT 7 OCTOBER

Quiz night and Nibbles

Penley Village Hall, Hollybush Lane, Penley, Wrexham LL13 0NH

Penley Village Hall quiz night and nibbles. Bring your friends for a fun night. 5pm

£2.00 @PenleyVillageHall

SUN 8 OCTOBER

Holt Fruit Festival

Holt Cross, Castle Street, Holt, Wrexham LL13 9YG

Holt Community

Gardeners’ 3rd Autumn Fruit Festival. There will be jams, crumbles, chutney, flans, locally grown fruit, seeds and plants for sale. Pressing fruit juice.

10am - 1pm Free

SUN 8 OCTOBER

Celebrate the Sweet Chestnut!

Acton Park, Herbert Jennings Avenue, Wrexham LL12 7YA

Come to Acton Park and celebrate the 484 year old Sweet Chestnut tree being nominated for Tree of the Year 2023 by the Woodland Trust. Activities, trails, crafts and more!

12pm - 4pm Free

THUR 12 OCTOBER

B.I.R.D. Shopping & Lifestyle Evening

Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa, Wrexham Road, Pulford CH4 9DG

Join us for an evening of fabulous shopping and lifestyle choices just for you. Gift stalls, beauty treatments and more.

6pm - 9:30pm

£5.00 (cash only)

Tel: 07703 203684 (Lucy)

SAT 14 OCTOBER

Rhos Male Voice Choir

St Dunawd's Church, Bangor-on-Dee, Wrexham LL13 0BU

Formed at 1891 the choir has been in the forefront of male voice singing. It is widely recognised as being one of Wales' foremost male choirs.

7:30pm

£10.00

Tel: 01978 780735 (Brian)

16 - 19 OCTOBER

Adoption Week

Online (via Teams)

If you are thinking of adopting, or interested in knowing more about the services we offer, book your free place.

7pm

Free

Tel: 0800 850774

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

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

TUE 17 OCTOBER

Coffee Morning

The Golden Lion, Chester Road, Rossett, Wrexham LL12 0HN

Coffee morning to raise funds for Christ Church Rossett. All welcome. Includes cake and a coffee.

10am - 12pm

£5.00

20 - 22 OCTOBER

Antiques and Art Fair

Chester Racecourse, New Crane Street, Chester CH1 4JD

High quality art and antiques from specialist dealers from across the UK.

11am - 5pm

Free with download cooperevents.com/chester

24 - 28 OCTOBER

Sheila’s Island

Grove Park Theatre, Hill St, Wrexham LL11 1SN

Latest performance from Wrexham’s oldest amateur theatre based in town.

7:30pm

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

FRI 27 OCTOBER

Halloween Party

Penley Village Hall, Hollybush Lane, Penley, Wrexham LL13 0NH

Penley Village Hall family Halloween party and fancy dress. Bring your friends for a fun night of food and games.

5:30pm - 8pm

£2.00 per child

@PenleyVillageHall

SAT 28 OCTOBER

Wrexham Artisan Market

Queen's Square, Wrexham LL11 1AT

A range of independent businesses and producers. 10am - 4pm Free info@fairevent.co.uk

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

essentialsmag.co.uk /whats-on

Wrexham Tourism News

By JOE BICKERTON, Tourism Manager, Wrexham County Borough Council

After a busy summer, we’re building up for another strong ending to the year here in Wrexham. We recently received new tourism data collated from local hospitality businesses and related surveys, showing how Wrexham County experienced its strongest year for tourism in 2022 to date!

The annual STEAM data from Global Tourism Solutions – a national agency which records data for most Local Authority areas across the UK – showed that last year, Wrexham benefitted from just over £150m of visitor spend, up by 50% from 2021 data. Naturally, Wrexham’s profile is international now, thanks to the huge boost that the success of the football club and overseas marketing has provided – but for the last decade, our tourism sector has been on an upward curve thanks to the welcome our hospitality businesses provide and added attractions such as the UNESCO Pontcysyllte World Heritage Site.

You may also have noticed season two of ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ is back on our screens, and indeed screens across the world! Given this international attention, the This is Wrexham brochure has been flying out far and wide. Pick up a copy from the Visitor Information Centre, or from one of our many tourism businesses. It is filled with everything you need to plan, explore and enjoy a day or a stay in Wrexham county.

Wrexham Ambassador Scheme

As we’ve mentioned before, the Wrexham Ambassador Scheme is really worth taking a look at, as the modules are available to all.

It’s a free scheme, aimed not just at providing tourism businesses with the knowledge they need to provide a great service to visitors and tourists, but is also really useful and interesting to Wrexham residents.

Each module takes around 20-30 minutes, followed by a short quiz. Pass the modules and become a Bronze Ambassador – and top-up your local knowledge along the way. There are more modules coming soon too, so Silver and Gold will also be within your reach!

A date for the diary is the brand new Wrexham Comedy Festival – arriving across a number of venues between 3rd-5th November! Backed by Wrexham AFC and the Wrexham 2029 City of Culture bid board, the new festival brings some of Wales’ best comedy talent to the city including Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Tudur Owen, Anna Thomas, Leroy Brito, Mel Owen, Esyllt Sears and Ignacio Lopez.

For more details and tickets, see; williamastonwrexham.com/comedyfest

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

All Saints’ School

ADMISSIONS - SEPTEMBER 2024

Choosing the right school for your child is a very important decision and we warmly invite you to visit our school to support you in making that decision

The admissions window for Reception entry in September 2024 (children aged 4 by 31/08/2024) will open in late September 2023

The admissions window for Nursery entry in September 2024 (children aged 3 by 31/08/2024) will open in January 2024

Open Day

We will be holding our second Open Day of the new school year on Wednesday 25th October for you to come and visit our school, meet staff and see our excellent facilities first hand

Headteacher tours of the school will take place at: 10am, 1:30pm and 5pm

To reserve a place, email: mailbox@allsaints-pri.wrexham.sch.uk

St. Peter's Playscheme

Wrap around childcare at St. Peter’s Primary School, Rossett

We offer wrap around childcare for all our pupils, including those of nursery age. We are open from 7:45am to 5:30pm during term time. We also offer childcare during the school holidays.

St Peter's Playscheme

For details contact Mrs Sophie Cannon 07958 915685

playscheme381@gmail.com

St. Peter’s School

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

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

Come and explore our school!

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

stpeters-pri.wrexham.sch.uk

St-Peters-Primary-School-Rossett @stpetersrossett

New York! New York!

By DELMAR WORLD in Gresford

Howard Davies, the USA Specialist at Delmar World, recently made his landmark 200th visit to America. Here, he takes a slightly different approach on visiting New York as part of a bigger travel venture.

There are so many reasons that New York is America’s most popular city stay for UK travellers. Whether your preference is endless shopping, cultural highlights, sightseeing, gourmet dining, historical tours, world-famous sports - the list is endless!

Whilst many just fly to and from New York for a three - five night city break, if you are travelling to other parts of America, some airline fares will allow you to break your journey with a stopover.

This means that you can incorporate a few amazing days in The ‘Big Apple’ before continuing on to whichever exciting ultimate destination you have chosen –perhaps Florida, California, Las Vegas or even Canada.

Another option might be to cruise to New York from the UK. This luxurious alternative to flying means you won’t have to worry about jet-lag because, on a typical six-night Atlantic crossing, the time onboard is adjusted gradually so that, when you disembark, you are ready for whatever the “City That Never Sleeps” can throw at you!

Or you could do the reverse and follow your ‘Big Apple’ stay with a cruise back to the UK: the extra five hours added during your sailing means that you won’t need the usual day or two to reset your body clock.

There are also several cruise itineraries that incorporate an overnight stay in New York, giving you 24 hours to explore this vibrant metropolis without having to worry about finding accommodation.

But, however long you stay, you will want to get the best out of your time in New York and, at Delmar World, our specialists will be delighted to help you achieve the holiday of your dreams.

Free New York guide download

For a copy of Howard’s ‘Introduction to New York City’ (including his top tips on how to save up to 15% on many sights and tours) just email: howard@delmarworld.co.uk putting “ESSENTIALS NYC” in the header.

Delmar World are leading travel experts in Worldwide tailor-made holidays & cruises.

Tel: 01978 853 886, www.delmarworld.com

54-56 Chester Road, Gresford, Wrexham LL12 8NE

Blended Families and Writing a Will

By SIMON DAVIES, LLB (Hons)

Stepfamilies and blended families are increasingly common in today's society, and they bring unique complexities to the estate planning process. When creating a Will in the context of a stepfamily or blended family, it is crucial to consider the dynamics and potential challenges that may arise.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Define your family

Clearly define who you consider as your family members in your Will. This can include your partner or spouse, stepchildren, biological children, and any other individuals you wish to include as beneficiaries. Be specific to avoid confusion or disputes over who is entitled to what.

Open communication

Discuss your estate planning intentions openly with your spouse or partner. It's essential to ensure that both of you are on the same page regarding how assets will be distributed among your respective children or heirs.

Consider separate and joint property

If you and your spouse have both separate and joint property, specify how these assets should be distributed. Some assets may be intended solely for your biological children, while others may be shared among all family members.

Updating beneficiary designations

Keep beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other financial assets up-to-date. These often supersede the instructions in your Will, so it's essential that they align with your current wishes.

Guardianship for minor stepchildren

If you have minor stepchildren for whom you are the primary caregiver, discuss and plan for their future care in your Will. Designate a guardian to ensure their wellbeing in the event of your passing.

Review and update regularly

Life circumstances change, so it's vital to review and update your Will periodically, especially after significant life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of additional children.

A well-structured Will, along with clear communication and professional guidance, can help ensure that your wishes are carried out, and your loved ones are provided for in a way that aligns with your intentions and the dynamics of your unique family structure.

For information on writing a Will, contact Simon Davies at Armour Wills Tel: 07845 019999

E: simon@armourwills.co.uk

www.armourwills.co.uk

Maes y Pant Latest News

by Chair Ian Happs

It’s been an amazing growing season! The dry weather I wrote about in June gave way to an abundance of rain, although with plenty of warmth for the rest of the summer.

Visitors to Maes y Pant will have seen how the two areas which were clear-felled in February have sprung back to life, with a wonderful variety of saplings, wildflowers and shrubs already looking comfortably established. The thinned conifer woodland is also looking much more diverse and greener. It’s been quite a task to keep the paths clear, but one which the volunteers have stepped up to and managed well.

Volunteering at Maes y Pant is not always about path clearing and fence repairs, in August it involved sewing and straw as our entry in the IMAGE scarecrow trail was created. ‘Tommy Brock’ stood next to Stan the quarryman just inside the car park entrance, welcoming visitors for the two weeks of the event. The addition of a large umbrella helped to stop his straw-stuffed frame from sagging in the rain, and he made it to the ‘Picnic in the Park’ on September 3rd. MyPAG had a stall there and we enjoyed chatting to people about

the site whilst they joined in our tabletop ‘treasure hunt’.

During the September volunteer session, our friend Geoff brought his tractor and topper to give the meadow its annual cut. That helps to keep the bramble at bay and supports the wildflowers. We also did some repairs to a section of one of the main paths, which had become a muddy bog over the previous few weeks. It was a very hot day to be moving stone around, but the task was achieved, and the drinks and cake were well earned at the end.

Volunteer Days

If you would like to help support the woodland, the volunteer sessions are on the second Saturday of every month, from 10am until 12:30pm, meeting at the car park off Pant Lane in Gresford.

Become a ‘Friend’

We also have a ‘Friends of’ group, for which we suggest a small annual donation in return for a monthly update of our activities and the goings-on at the site. More details are available on our website at: www.maes-y-pant.com or through our Facebook page @Maes y Pant.

For information and to join Friends of Maes-y-Pant visit: www.maes-y-pant.com

BRHS - Burton Rossett Horticultural Society Gardening News

By EssentialsMAG gardening contributor CAROL EDWARDS

Here we are in October already, and I hope that we have a nice mild Autumn. Before I forget, I must mention the Flower Show. This year, I helped to sell the raffle tickets and it was lovely to meet up with you. The exhibits were really good, and many congratulations to all those who entered, and, of course, to all who did all the work on the day - before the event as well.

There are some things to keep you up-todate with. To start with, before the frost bites. Remember to bring any tender plants under cover, including plants which have spent the summer outdoors - tender herbs, chilli plants, citrus fruits and pelargoniums.

October or March is also a good time to move any evergreen shrubs. Pick a good day to do this, like when it’s not raining.

If your greenhouse is fairly empty at the moment, it is a good time to clean and disinfect it. I find ‘Jeyes Fluid’ works well and the spray is really good.

Any fallen leaves can be swept up too as they harbour fungal spores and shelter slugs and snails.

You can use these to make leaf mould by putting them in bags and piercing them with a garden fork to allow air to circulate.This can be used as a mulch to protect them from the cold. Just bear in mind that some leaves take longer to rot down. We have a large copper beech in our garden which takes quite a while to rot!

Lift and divide overcrowded perennials and divide them while the soil is warm.

Lift your dahlia tubers and begonias,and store them for next year.

Cut back any overhanging plants on the edges of paths. This will help the access to the garden.

When runner beans and peas finish, cut the plants away at ground level to fix the nitrogen in the soil.

And don’t forget to enjoy your gardens!

Local Birds and Wildlife News

By REVEREND HUGH LINN

Recently, otters have been reported from around the River Alyn. These reports have mostly been occasional and limited, but last month, one of our local otters was given national publicity in the Daily Telegraph having been caught red-handed on CCTV stealing valuable fish from ponds at Pulford's Grosvenor Hotel - including at least 50 koi carp which sell for about £2,000 each! The Grosvenor Hotel's ponds provide a happy hunting ground for wildlife of another kind – they are excellent sites for observing dragonflies and damselflies.

October is a productive month for observing bird migration. Swallows can be seen gathering on wires before embarking on their southward journeys. Reedbeds are favoured roosting sites for migrating Swallows. In years gone by birdwatchers, having seen the birds dropping into reeds in the evening to roost but failing to see them emerging the next day, were convinced that they hibernated by burying themselves in mud as protection against harsh winter weather. Most of our summer nesting Swallows spend the winter in South Africa. Ringing returns show that many return to breed within five miles of where they were born.

Redwings and Fieldfares (members of the thrush family) from Scandinavia are regular winter garden visitors. Redwings can be identified migrating at night by their distinctive “seep” flight calls. Fieldfares are more likely to be heard by day and identified by their “chack chack” calls. Both species can be encouraged to visit gardens

by the provision of fruit. Jays, colourful members of the Crow family (Corvids) spend much of October collecting and burying acorns and nuts to see them through the winter.

During the winter, ponds, lakes, flood and other stretches of water provide homes for wildfowl from northern climes. The Dee Floods near Holt and stretches of water like Gresford Flash are regular refuges for a variety of swans, geese and ducks.

Wrexham Birdwatchers

Friday 6th October 7:30pm, talk by Jim Almond, “Two Decades at Venus Pool”, (Gresford Memorial Hall)

Sunday 14th October meet 9:30am for trip to Martin Mere Bird Fair. Details from Trevor Britton: 07925 596168.

SWALLOW FEEDING YOUNG

WHOOPER SWANS

Gresford Trust Newsdesk

By IAN GIBSON, Chairperson

The Trust held its AGM on Thursday 10th August and reports were received from the Chair and Treasurer.

The Chair thanked the many Trustees who have helped manage and maintain the Trust estate over the past 12 months. Special thanks went to our facility manager, Jo Burke, who has worked tirelessly with our Treasurer to rebuild our business base back after the covid pandemic.

The AGM also elects Trustees for the coming year. Mark Perry had previously indicated a desire to step down from the role of Secretary and the Chair thanked him for his work over the previous year.

The following people were elected as village representatives for the coming year: Ian Gibson, Janet Holmes, Richard Evans, Phil Jones, Steve Bland, Gino Palleta, Jayne Osborne, Robert Grey, Carole Grey, Richard Williams, Mike James and Valerie Shields. They will be joined by representatives of the organisations affiliated to the Trust who have nominated a Trustee.

The Treasurer presented the annual accounts which showed a healthy balance, although it must be stressed that much of the capital reserves are earmarked for our long-term maintenance and replacement programme. This has been highlighted by the need to replace the main boiler which provides hot water for the bulk of the building.

Quotes for this and other essential work will be obtained, and finances allocated accordingly.

Long term finances are always a concern for any charity, and we are no different. Several years ago, the Trust suffered from a severe cash flow problem. Lessons learned at that time have been taken on board and the Trustees have worked hard to put in place a strategy which ensures a certain level of guaranteed income.

Leases form a major part of that strategy, and we are pleased that recent agreements have been put in place to carry that programme forward.

One such lease relates to an area of land adjacent to our maintenance compound, over which we are currently in negotiation with Wales and West Utilities for the placement of a Gas Governor Station. This has been a complicated process and is still subject to planning consent. The funds generated from this lease will provide a significant cash injection to the Trust, underpinning the financial stability of the Charity for the foreseeable future.

Our role as Trustees is to protect, preserve and improve the facilities we manage. This lease helps us achieve that objective.

What Your Brand Say About You!

By JULIE GREGORY

Your brand is the face of your business. It's what people see when they think of you and what they remember about you.

Your brand is the overall impression that people have of the company, product or service they associate with you. The way you look, sound and act reflects on your brand. If your brand is inconsistent, it gives the impression that you and your business are not professional or trustworthy. A strong brand has a consistent message and personality that connects with people on a personal level.

And it's not something that's just chosen at random. Your brand is carefully crafted to reflect the values and mission of your company, so that when people see your logo or hear your name, they know exactly what they're getting.

But how do you know if your brand is doing its job? How do you know if it's attracting the right kind of customers?

Think about whether your logo and brand identity reflects who you are as a company. A lot of companies make the mistake of using stock images for their logos, but having an image that represents you correctly makes all the difference in conveying who you really are to your target audience.

Here are some tips to help you build a strong brand:

Describe who you are and what you do in an authentic way. For example, if your business is about helping people find love online then say so! If it's not, then don't try to be something else just or the sake of it.

Have a consistent voice across all platforms of social media - from Facebook posts to email newsletters. People will easily recognise you because it sounds like one person talking, rather than multiple voices coming together at once, which can be confusing.

Develop an aesthetic that aligns with who you are as a company and stick with it, so when people see something new from you it doesn't feel like someone else entirely, just because you’re using different colourways or fonts than they are used to.

Always remember that you and your business need to build trust and an easily recognisable, cohesive brand identity is the first step.

EssentialsMAG Tasty Recipe

Lewis’s Farm Shop Tasty Beef Stew

INGREDIENTS

¼ cup all-purpose flour

¼ tsp freshly ground pepper

1 lb beef stewing meat, trimmed and cut into inch cubes

5 tsp vegetable oil

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 cup red wine

3½ cups beef broth

METHOD

SERVES 4

2 bay leaves

1 medium onion, peeled and chopped

5 medium carrots, peeled and cut into ¼ inch rounds

2 large baking potatoes, peeled and cut into ¾ inch cubes

2 teaspoons salt

Combine the flour and pepper in a bowl, add the beef and toss to coat well. Heat 3 teaspoons of the oil in a large pot. Add the beef a few pieces at a time; do not overcrowd. Cook, turning the pieces until beef is browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch; add more oil as needed between batches.

Remove the beef from the pot and add the vinegar and wine. Cook over medium-high heat, scraping the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. Add the beef, beef broth and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a slow simmer.

Cover and cook, skimming broth from time-to-time, until the beef is tender, about 1½ hours. Add the onions and carrots and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.

Add the potatoes and simmer until vegetables are tender - about 30 minutes more. Add broth or water if the stew is dry. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Ladle among four bowls and serve.

Seasonal Treats in October

October marks a transition in seasonal produce as autumn sets in, bringing a rich variety of fruits, vegetables, and other culinary delights to the table. As the days grow shorter and cooler, the local harvest begins to shift towards heartier and more robust offerings.

Apples and pears

Orchards across the country burst with an array of apple varieties, including Bramley, Cox's Orange Pippin, and Russet. These apples are perfect for pies, crisps, and cider-making, making October a prime time for indulging in autumnal appleflavoured treats.

Pears also make their appearance during this month. Varieties like Conference and Comice are at their peak, offering a sweet and juicy alternative to apples. These can be enjoyed fresh, poached, or incorporated into salads and desserts.

Vegetables

Brussels sprouts, a quintessential Christmas vegetable, start making their appearance in October. They are a versatile ingredient for roasts and side dishes with their unique, nutty taste.

Microwaving Brussels Sprouts gives you the most deliciously tender sprouts in just six minutes. No need to boil water first, they don't stink out your kitchen and it saves room on the hob too!

Cabbages and kale also become staple vegetables this month. Their hardy nature and robust flavours make them ideal for warming soups and stews.

Root vegetables such as carrots, turnips, and parsnips are abundant, ready to be roasted, mashed, or transformed into hearty, comforting dishes. Swedes are also in season. Pumpkins go hand-in-hand with Halloween. Harvested in October, this nutritious and versatile orange fruit features flowers, seeds and flesh that are edible and rich in vitamins.

From the sea

For seafood lovers, October brings an abundance of mussels, oysters, and scallops. These fresh catches from coastal waters are perfect for creating seafood feasts and adding a touch of elegance to autumn dining.

From the wild

Wild mushrooms are a coveted find for foragers and food enthusiasts. Varieties like Chanterelles, Porcini, and Wild Oyster mushrooms add depth and an earthy richness to risottos, soups, and pasta.

October Shopping List

Apples, Pears, Plums, Blackberries, Raspberries, Sloes, Quinces, Elderberries.

Pumpkins, Butternut Squash, Beetroot, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Kale, Leeks, Parsnips, Swede, Turnips.

Hanging Up My Tools

By NICK DAVIES

From next January, after many years of serving this wonderful community as your friendly handyman, I have decided to hang up my tools and embark on a new journey in life: retirement. It is with mixed emotions that I write this letter, as I reflect on the countless memories and relationships that have been built over the years.

I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has entrusted me with your home and garden improvement projects, big and small. Your support, trust, and loyalty have been the cornerstone of my career. I also want to thank Vicky at EssentialsMAG for the ongoing successful advertising campaign over the years, I couldn't be happier with the results and outcome.

While I may be retiring from the handyman business, I look forward to staying in touch

and perhaps even assisting with small projects in the future, just for the joy of it!

Warm regards, Nick Davies, Handyman T: 07960 608084

Business Advice Learning Hub

By VICKY HEATHFIELD

Building your knowledge and skills is more important than making money! In today's competitive business world, it's more important than ever to have the knowledge and skills to succeed. While money is certainly important, it's not the only thing that matters. In fact, building your knowledge and skills can actually help you make more money in the long run.

Here are a few reasons why:

A competitive edge

In any industry, there are always people who are willing to work hard and do whatever it takes to succeed. But the ones who stand out are the ones who have the knowledge and skills to do their jobs better than everyone else.

Growing your business

As your business grows, you'll need to hire people and take on more responsibility. The better your knowledge and skills, the better equipped you'll be to manage your business and grow it to new heights.

Staying relevant

The business world is constantly changing. The technologies, the markets, and the customer demands are all evolving. The people who stay ahead of the curve are the ones who have the knowledge and skills to adapt to change.

Problem solving

No matter what business you're in, you're going to face challenges. The better your

knowledge and skills, the better equipped you'll be to solve those challenges.

Here are some tips for building your knowledge and skills:

• Read books and articles about your industry. There's a wealth of information available out there.

• Take courses and workshops. There are many opportunities to keep learning - online courses, in-person workshops, and even boot camps.

• Network with other professionals. Meet with people who are working in your industry and learn from them.

• Get involved in your industry’s professional organisations. There are many organisations that offer networking opportunities, educational resources, and other benefits.

So, if you're looking to succeed in business, don't focus on making money first. Focus on building your knowledge and skills. Because the more you learn, the more you'll earn!

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

By Vicky Heathfield, Editor of EssentialsMAG vicky@essentialsmag.co.uk www.essentialsmag.co.uk Tel: 01978 855459

Book Club

Fear Less

by TRINNY WOODALL

The definitive guide for finding your style, boosting your confidence and living your best life from fashion sensation, Trinny Woodall. Whether you need help with how to dress, defining your style, finding out the colours that suit you or understanding the right beauty routine for the skin you have now, Fear Less contains it all.

Lucky Present from Puss

by BILL BRADLEY

Follow the adventures of Ebb, the lock keeper and his wife Flow, who live at Oakwood Cottage that stands on the side of the lock in the countryside. They discover that they have been left a present from their pussy cat.

Bill Bradley is from Eccleston, Chester, visit: tinyurl.com/33khrzhk

Elon Musk

by WALTER ISAACSON

From the author of Steve Jobs, this is the astonishingly intimate story of Elon Musk, the most fascinating and controversial innovator of our era - a rule-breaking visionary who helped to lead the world into the era of electric vehicles, private space exploration, and artificial intelligence. Oh, and took over Twitter.

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop

by SATOSHI YAGISAWA

In an old wooden building, on a quiet corner of Jimbocho, Tokyo, lies a shop filled with hundreds of second-hand books. It is the pride and joy of Satoru, who has devoted his life to the bookshop. When his niece, Takako's, boyfriend reveals he's marrying someone else, she reluctantly accepts her eccentric uncle's offer to live rent-free in the tiny room above the shop. A heartwarming tale about life, love, and the healing power of books.

Sarah Atherton MP Member of Parliament for Wrexham

Last month, I wrote to the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive of the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service outlining my serious concerns regarding their consultation on the future provision of emergency cover for Wrexham. Two of their proposals would see Wrexham lose one out of its two full-time appliances (fire engines) and a reduction in firefighters. I have grave concerns over these proposals. The consultation closed on 22nd September, and I want to thank all residents who filled in the consultation and made their voices heard. In addition, there was an overwhelming response from residents to my Fire Service petition. I will be closely monitoring the outcome of the consultation and any information that is shared by the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Last month, I had the opportunity to visit and meet a range of individuals, businesses, and charities in Wrexham and learn about some of the great things happening locally – one of my favourite parts of being an MP. I had a lovely visit with the Holt Community Gardeners where they told me about their amazing work to enhance the village of Holt. They must have one of the few, if not the only, eco-hub allotment in the UK. On top of this, congratulations to Holt winning the Gold Award in the Large Village category in the 2023 Wales in Bloom competition. Well done to all involved, in particular, the Holt Gardeners!

On the same day, I had an engaging meeting with The Job Centre Plus team on Hope Street. I was really struck by the motivation of the team in helping people get back to work and progress with their careers -

with additional support available for people with extra needs to become ‘work ready.’ As is often the case, the team identified some challenging areas where improvement is needed, and I will be raising this with the relevant DWP Minister.

Lastly, I visited the Gatewen Training Services team to hear about the extensive training opportunities they provide for individuals and businesses across North Wales. A particular highlight was hearing from two female truck drivers who trained at Gatewen and then moved onto Dromgoole and Sons. They are both excelling and showing newcomers how it’s done! I fully support these efforts to encourage women to enter the industry. A shining example of Wrexham supporting Wrexham.

If you are a resident in the current Wrexham constituency, and need my help with any issue, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Sarah Atherton MP Member of Parliament for Wrexham/ Parliamentary Candidate for the new Wrexham Constituency

We Cannot Afford Further Delay

By EssentialsMAG environment contributor ROB RENOUF

The cost of living crisis has prompted some to suggest that reaching net zero is unaffordable and should be delayed. This might be a seductive narrative, particularly if we’re facing financial pressures that seem more immediate. There are two major problems with this:

• There’s no time for delay - global emissions must peak before 2025 and then rapidly decrease to provide any chance of limiting warming to 1.5oC. Every day we see further evidence of how bad the situation already is.

• Delaying action will cost more - research shows it’s a false economy, as the costs of delaying action will ultimately far exceed those of acting now.

We’re already paying indirectly

Rather than saving money by delaying action, we end up paying in different ways. An increasingly volatile climate is making food production more challenging. We saw an example of this earlier in 2023, when the availability of tomatoes was affected by weather and energy costs. The worsening climate crisis will continue creating upward pressure on global food prices. As the frequency and severity of extreme weather events increases, the costs of repairing infrastructure will fall on us as taxpayers.

We’re also likely to face rising insurance premiums and may even find we’re unable to insure against risks like flooding.

Short-termism

In the UK we’re still building new houses that don’t meet the standards required to achieve net zero. This is despite knowing that retro-fitting them at a future date will cost up to five times as much as the additional cost of building them to net zero standards in the first place. There’s growing recognition that our current political system is contributing to the problem by encouraging short-termism.

Facing up to reality

The harsh truth is that we’re way past the point where the costs of the climate and ecological emergency can somehow be avoided. The climate I experienced as a child, no longer exists, and the climate my children are growing up in will soon also be just a memory. Refusal to accept the reality of our situation and take action will leave us struggling to cope with, and pay for, increasingly severe consequences.

We need to respond in a more proactive, managed way in order to limit the damage.

One way or another, we are going to have to pay - the real issues are when this will be and how to spread the costs most fairly between us.

contributor is Rob Renouf

robsrenouf@gmail.com

Alyn Family Doctors Latest News

The ‘Flu and Covid 19 vaccine programmes are now underway for Autumn 2023. Everyone who is eligible for a ‘flu vaccination is also eligible for a Covid-19 vaccination. By the time you read this, the health board should have sent out invitations by letter or by text message for Covid vaccinations in the Llay Royal British Legion. You will also be offered your ‘flu vaccination at that appointment, given by our GPs. If you have not heard from the health board by 15th October, please contact the surgery.

Why ‘Flu and Covid 19 vaccination is important

‘Flu and Covid 19 vaccinations are important because both ‘Flu and Covid can be very dangerous and even life threatening for some people, particularly those with certain health conditions. There are new Covid variants circulating, so it’s important to attend your vaccination appointment, even if it seems as if the risk is reducing.

Who can have a ‘Flu and Covid vaccination? The vaccines are given free on the NHS to adults who:

• Are aged 65 and over

• Are pregnant

• Are in long-stay residential care

• Receive a carer's allowance or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick

• Have diabetes

• Live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system

• Have respiratory conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and bronchitis

• Have some heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failure

• Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above

• Have chronic kidney disease

• Have liver disease

• Have some neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or cerebral palsy

• Have a learning disability

• Have problems with spleen, or have had their spleen removed

• Have a weakened immune system as a result of conditions such as HIV or taking medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy.

How effective is the ‘Flu and Covid vaccine? Vaccination gives the best protection against ‘flu and Covid and becoming seriously ill or needing to go to hospital.

Being vaccinated may help stop you spreading ‘flu and Covid to other people who could be more at risk of serious problems.

Tel: 0333 332 3260

www.alynfamilydoctors.co.uk

www.facebook.com/alynfamilydoctors

Lesley Griffiths MS

Member of the Senedd for Wrexham

The Wrexham Gateway Project has the potential to deliver something truly transformative for our city. A partnership consisting of the Welsh Government, Wrexham County Borough Council, Transport for Wales, Wrexham Glyndwr University, the FAW and Wrexham AFC are working together to regenerate the area centred around the Mold Road and Wrexham General Station – a key corridor into the city.

The Gateway Project is something I’ve championed and supported for many years. In addition to purchasing key areas of land to enable the project to develop, I was pleased the Welsh Government pledged £25m in 2021, with the focus at the time centring around the ‘eastern’ side of the scheme. Plans to develop a public transport interchange at Wrexham General Station are advancing.

The other part of the project is the ‘western’ side, effectively the Racecourse site, and the Kop Stand redevelopment is by far the most advanced aspect of the overall project, with planning consent in place and the new replacement floodlights erected.

Readers will remember the project experienced a significant setback in January 2023 when the UK Government rejected Wrexham’s bid for “Levelling-Up” Funding for a second time.

Thankfully, the key partners were undeterred and in April 2023, Wrexham Council announced a substantial proportion of the £25m funding would be reallocated from the eastern side of the scheme to allow the western side to advance.

The aim of the project has always been to benefit Wrexham as a whole and at the time

of the announcement, some constituents contacted me concerned about the ramifications for the original eastern side of the project given such a significant amount of funding was being reallocated.

I wrote to the Welsh Government and received assurances the partnership remains committed to delivering the whole Wrexham Gateway. The allocation of a considerable share of the £25m was only agreed on condition that Wrexham Council pledged £8m of its own funds to the eastern side of the project area.

I’m informed the partnership firmly believes the development of a landmark structure at the newly renamed SToK Cae Ras delivers benefits which extend far beyond increasing the capacity for the football club. The strategic aim of the partnership is to facilitate the return of competitive international football, rugby union and rugby league to North Wales. Constructing a new Kop is seen as a statement of intent which will help unlock other aspects.

I will, of course, continue to support the project. I am proud the Welsh Government is investing in our city and pleased partners remain committed to delivering this game changing development for the people of Wrexham.

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.

Six Benefits of Having a Will

By WARREN HADLOW

To start, when is the right time to write your Will? Realistically, it should be done as soon as possible but practically, people tend to write their Will around the time of big life moments such as marriage, civil partnership, buying their first home, or having children. Other trigger events might include the death of a loved one or divorce. So, what are the benefits of writing a Will at these times in your life?

We’ve summarised six below:

1. Keeping control

You can decide who will benefit from your estate and how your possessions are passed on. This includes whether you would like some to go to charities and organisations that are close to your heart.

2. Decreasing stress

There can be an overwhelming number of arrangements to be made alongside your loved one’s grieving process. Having a Will can help reduce additional stress for those involved with dealing with the estate and is likely to help minimise arguments between family members and/or beneficiaries.

3. Planning continuation of care

Nominating a guardian for your children will ensure that they are looked after by someone that you trust rather than someone who has been decided upon by the courts. You can also specify who you would like to look after any pets.

4. Choosing how to say goodbye

If you know what kind of funeral you would like, noting this in your Will can help those involved make the decisions with your preferences in mind.

5. Tax planning

You can make plans in your Will to reduce the amount of potential

inheritance tax that your beneficiaries may be liable to pay on your estate value. The amount of the estate that would be liable for inheritance tax after allowances (currently 40% in the 2023/2024 tax year) depends upon your circumstances and so you would need to seek advice on this matter.

6.

Dictating your digital legacy

In an ever-increasing digital world, there are so many more things we value online including photographs and passwordprotected documents.

In the scenario that you pass away without a Will, the beneficiaries and the distribution of your estate is decided upon by the laws of intestacy rather than your wishes. If you were married or had a civil partner, your children and grandchildren are not guaranteed to receive anything without a Will. Similarly, if you are unmarried or not in a civil partnership, your partner is not automatically eligible to benefit from your estate.

If you would like to know more about planning for yours and your family’s financial future, please feel free to contact me on 01978 311611, or email hadlow.edwards@sjpp.co.uk.

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time and are generally dependent on individual circumstances.

The writing of a Will involves the referral to a service that is separate and distinct from those offered by St. James's Place. Wills and Powers of Attorney are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

By Warren Hadlow, Director of Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Limited hadlow.edwards@sjpp.co.uk

Tel: 01978 311 611

www.hadlowedwards.co.uk

Hugh Jones & Ross Shepherd Councillors for Rossett

Illuminated bollards

A number of the old, illuminated bollards in locations such as outside the church and near St Peter’s School, have been replaced with new high quality reflective versions. These will be easier to see for road users and are easier to maintain.

Pavements and road edges

Street Scene Services have been treating weeds and unwanted vegetation on the highways around the area. This has involved spraying at the sides of the road near the pavement to kill off weeds etc.

Hedges

The council have approached a number of landowners asking them to cut back protruding hedges which has made it difficult for pedestrians to walk past or for visibility purposes. We are pleased to see that much of this has been done.

New 20mph limit

As you are aware, the new 20mph limit replaced most 30mph limits in Wales due to Welsh Assembly legislation. New signage is now operational highlighting these changes.

Lavister footpaths

The council have been working to resurface and make good the walkway through Lavister. This work is now complete.

Station Road

Station/Burton Road underpass

We have again recently met with council officials and North Wales Police to discuss the area surrounding the level crossing. The area is being closely monitored by CCTV and regular officer patrols to try and prevent anti-social behaviour.

Car park

Street Scene Services have cut back overgrown trees and bushes around the perimeter of the Church Hall Car Park and have repaired a loose edging stone near the entrance to this car park.

Parking on pavements

We regularly receive complaints from residents about pavements being obstructed by parked vehicles. This causes obstruction to numerous residents, those with mobility issues, people with prams and push chairs. As a consequence, we have asked North Wales Police to step up their enforcement of this road traffic offence.

Car parking bays along Station Road, and near Burton Close, are to be realigned to ensure vehicles can park safely and in a way that does not obstruct driveways. Hugh:

Beryl Blackmore - Deputy Mayor & Councillor for Marford & Hoseley

As I write this, it's showing a temperature of 28°C and set to be very hot the next day, unusual for September, so the weather people tell us. But as a child, I remember September often being the best month.

I hope you're making the most of the warm days and evenings. As far as Wrexham Council news goes, there is very little I can update you on regarding the Budget. Leaders have met throughout August and a report is due this month.

As a Council, we met with the North Wales Fire Service and let them know, as a Council, we won't support the major cuts they are looking at.

Along with other Councillors, we are all asking for a better service delivery from Street Scene in getting areas cleaned up. Safety on pavements is high on the complaints list with many sidewalks needing urgent repair.

I did send an email highlighting Woodridge Avenue and Hayfield Drive, (I know there are others), but unfortunately, due to the unexpected strike, as soon as September arrived in Wrexham, we have been unable to commit to a meeting with the area Supervisor. As soon as I can, I will push for a walkabout.

Hedges have been dealt with on Marford Hill. Cutting back has given more room to walkers. I just hope residents continue to keep them in order. I do feel that the trees on the Hill have grown over the road, creating a canopy which has made the road too dark. A double decker bus is lost in the

dark as it comes up the Hill, so I would like to see the top of the trees pruned to open up the Hill to the light - do you agree?

I have joined the Employment, Business and Investment Scrutiny Committee which met this week. I know I will find this interesting, as I am very keen to know what's being suggested for the city centre and have some input.

Deputy Mayor events

We attended the Flag Raising event at the Llwyn Isaf for the Merchant Navy. Dot and I met the Royal Welsh Fusiliers Comrades at their Act of Remembrance. We welcomed the new Superintendent Minister of Wrexham Methodist Church, before we attended The Tour of Britain Race which started and finished in Wrexham - an amazing event which brought the city alive!

I personally believe we must embrace major events to enable us to grow as a city. I look toward to another event happening in the city in September... I will fill you in next month.

Keep in touch via my council email, or pop in for a coffee any Tuesday in Gresford Methodist Church 10am till 11:30am.

Firstly, I would like to say a massive well done to all those that helped organise the Picnic in the Park. I am sure those that attended will agree with me that it was a fantastic event, from the stalls at the Artisan Market, the scarecrow parade, the many community organisation marquees, the dog show - and my favourite - the Alpacas! It was fantastic to be able to talk to so many people enjoying the day! I look forward to the next event.

Like every month that I write for EssentialsMAG, there have been a number of individual issues that have drawn my attention and have needed dealing with. Sometimes what would appear as a “small” issue often end up taking the most amount of time! Big or small, I’m here to help!

School Hill

Just a reminder that School Hill is one way. There is some signage we had installed last year, and despite one needing fixing recently, they are clearly there. There were a number of reported issues of vehicles travelling the wrong way, which was a safety hazard for the children and parents.

Gresford Colliery Disaster Remembrance

September 22nd saw the 89th Anniversary of the Gresford Mining Disaster which took the lives of 266 local men when there was an explosion in the Dennis section of the mine. Still today, descendants of those that died attend the Memorial Service held in front of the old pit wheel on Bluebell Lane.

Whilst I was not able to attend the service in person this year, I made sure to take time to reflect on the tragedy.

I also recently attended the Mines Rescue Station on Maesgwyn Road. They have set up a great charity to save this important building and there are many things to see about mining in Wrexham and specifically, Gresford. They have a great café, and do a superb breakfast! You can also arrange tours to hear more about their work to save this building, which trained people to save lives.

20mph

On the 17th of September, the Welsh Government’s new law came in reducing the speed limit of most 30mph roads to 20mph. I am not going to get into the pros, cons or political debate at this stage as I try to keep this article as neutral as possible. It is here, so can I please remind you that most of Gresford is now at the new 20mph limit.

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

Jeremy.Kent@wrexham.gov.uk or call: 07832 211085

Jeremy Kent Councillor for Gresford

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Legal Advice

By EssentialsMAG legal advice contributor CAROL McGUIRE

Children, Divorce and Mediation

Following a divorce or separation, the issue of children is a sensitive area and one which is best sorted out between parents acting reasonably.

You may want to involve your parents or inlaws to have a meeting with you both, to try and resolve the issues that affect the entire family. If that is not possible, then why not take the opportunity of using Mediation?

Some people say that they don’t want to use Mediation because it means coming into contact with their former husband or partner. Cast your worries away because the Mediator will offer you all of the alternative solutions that might suit you. For example, a meeting via Zoom or offering separate rooms in their offices.

Once you start the process, you will get the feeling as to whether or not such is going to work. Talk to your solicitor about it. It’s important to forget the reasons why you separated. You have to take what you think might be the child’s point of view and what is in their best interests and not yours.

Often, though I’m sorry to say, children are “used”, not intentionally, but because both parties have different views on parenting. Sometimes, the problem relates to the actions of the other party, since separation. For example a person might meet another girlfriend/boyfriend shortly after

separation and introduce them to the children, without thinking through the consequences. If you enter into another relationship, it is always best to discuss with the other parent, whether it is appropriate, to introduce them, given the timing and the fact that the children are only just trying to come to terms with their parents’ separation. It has to be dealt with sensitively, otherwise you might find the children not wanting to see you at all.

Regrettably, there are cases of people entering into relationships and bringing the children into contact with a boyfriend or girlfriend straightaway, and then ending the relationship, almost as soon as it began. Such leaves children in turmoil, especially if you continue to start and end other relationships, whom the children have been into contact with. It may have an effect on how they view relationships in the future.

So, please think about what is best for the children and not what is best for you. If all else fails then you can instruct your solicitor to start proceedings.

Useful Numbers

Just For Fun

Crossword

ACROSS

1 Occurred (8)

5 Pack down tightly (4)

8 Eg petrol and coal (5)

9 Located in the fresh air (7)

10 Fame (7)

12 Silvery-white metal (7)

14 Books of maps (7)

16 Aids (7)

18 ___ seat: aircraft safety device (7)

19 Rise to one's feet (5)

20 Throw a coin in the air (4)

21 Whirling motion (8)

DOWN

1 Sound system (2-2)

2 Removed the skin from a fruit (6)

3 Cherishes as sacred (9)

4 Selfishness (6)

6 Keeps away from (6)

7 Monumental Egyptian structures (8)

11 Inability to feel pain (9)

12 Least dear (8)

13 Plus points (6)

14 Far from the target (6)

15 Highly seasoned sausage (6)

17 Paradise garden (4)

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

Here are the answers from September:

Classic Sudoku